Philadelphia, PA (June, 1) – Jeff Bukantz, General Chairman of the USA Team going to the 13th European Maccabi Games, announced the full appointment of Team USA who will engage in athletic competition in Vienna, Austria, July 6 through 12. This will be the largest gathering of Jews in Vienna since World War II and promises to be a great, historical event.
Team USA consists of 114 people featuring 94 athletes on 14 Teams in Open, Juniors and Masters divisions competing in 12 sports – Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Ten-Pin Bowling and Tennis. Coaches, Managers and a Medical Team comprise the rest of Team USA.
Team USA members reside in 18 states, including AZ [2], CA [12], CO [2], CT [3], FL [10], GA [4], IL [4], MA [4], MD [6], MI [2], NC [1], NJ [19], NY [16], OH [8], PA[14], TN [2], TX [3], VA [1], and 1 lives in the State of Israel. Many of the athletes and coaches are students and alumni at Universities across the including Division I athletes from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut and the University of Mississippi.
“I am excited about the upcoming Games and the unique opportunity that every member of Team USA has to experience the history and culture of Vienna,” Bukantz said upon finalizing the Team. “This competition will be filled with great experiences for everyone participating both on the field, and off.”
The Games are about more than just competition. The Opening Ceremony promises to be very exciting with great entertainment, and the official opening of the Games will be announced by the President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer. Programs are being developed by the International Organizing Committee and Team Manager Jeffrey Fuchs so that Team USA has the opportunity to learn about the history and rebirth of the Jewish People of Vienna. In addition to competition with other Jewish athletes from throughout Europe, Israel and the Diaspora, there will be opportunities to explore the culture and history of the Jewish People in Vienna.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with 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. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport.