Philadelphia, PA, June 25, 2008 – Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, based in Philadelphia, PA, is seeking Jewish Baseball players to represent the United States at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, July 13 – 23, 2009. There will be over 9000 Jewish athletes from over 60 countries participating in the Games. Juniors, Youth, and Open athletes will be departing in early July, 2009 for a mandatory Team USA Pre-camp, a unique cultural program.
The USA Team will be bringing Baseball players in the Juniors Boys’ age division, for those born in 1991 through 1994.
Mark Fishman, the Chairman appointed for the USA Baseball program, will be conducting tryouts to recruit the top athletes from around the country to represent the United States at the World Maccabiah Games. Baseball tryouts are scheduled to be held in the following locations: July 13, 2008 in PA/NY/NJ area; July 27, 2008 in Chicago, IL; August 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA; August, 10, 2008 in Miami, FL.
Athletes interested in trying out for Team USA must fill out an application, available at maccabiusa.com.
All questions regarding specifics on rules, tryouts, etc. can be directed to Mark Fishman atmarkfishmanmusa@gmail.com, or by phone at 773/661-5500 x 22.
The Games are about more than sport; they are an opportunity to connect Jews from around the world with their culture, heritage and the State of Israel. There is a cultural program that takes place prior to the start date of the Games, where the athletes have the opportunity to tour historical and religious sites and take part in unique experiences, all while bonding with each other. “The Games provide an opportunity to use sports and Israel as a way to connect kids with their culture and with each other,” said Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. “This is a life-changing experience for all who participate in what will be the world’s third largest international sporting event.”
Applicants can apply today to show commitment to Israel and Jews everywhere while competing with and against the best Jewish athletes in the world.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.? As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities.? We strive to provide Jewish athletes the world over, the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.? We support programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport.?
“Now more than ever, we need to get involved and committed to building a proud Jewish Identity among our young people in the U.S., Israel and the Diaspora,” stated Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. “The Maccabiah (Games) is not just about sports, but about providing for these young people a Jewish awareness of who they are, where they come from and where they are going.”