Saul Jackson (22) is the new Sports Director for Maccabi WP in Cape Town. Saul’s role will be to look after the running of the organisation in Cape Town, as well as to engage and grow the Cape Town sports community through regular activities and events.
We ask him a few questions to get aquainted with the new face of Maccabi:
What school did you attend?
I attended Herzlia my entire school career, starting at Weizmann Primary
What sports do you play?
Currently I play social five a side football as well as golf. During my school years I played table tennis, tennis, golf, football and cricket
What Soccer team do you support?
I am a Manchester United fanatic and together with some friends we recently launched our own Youtube fan channel called ‘Stretford Saffas’
What are your interests?
Sport has always been my biggest interest but I am also highly intrigued by national and international politics as well as economic current affairs
Which sportsmen would you most like to have dinner with?
Roger Federer. Growing up he has always been my sporting idol and someone I’ve always looked up to and respected. I admire his skills on the court as well as his humility and class off the court
Why Maccabi, What attracted you to the Maccabi family?
I attended Maccabi trials at a young age but unfortunately never had the privilege of attending a European or Israel Maccabi Games. I have always planned on being involved in the community in some way so Maccabi being a well-run sports organisation, fitted right into my plans.
From afar I have always been impressed with the quality of athletes, coaches and ultimately the results the SA team achieves year on year and this motivated me to becoming involved in the organisation.
Maccabi worldwide is largely driven by volunteers. From your own experiences, what are the main rewards of volunteering?
Like I’ve mentioned, contributing to the community has always been a goal of mine. Volunteer work is one way to build important personal characteristics as well as build a positive reputation.
It is vital for young adults such as myself to give back to the community and through sport I believe I can make a valuable contribution. Those who give of their time, energy and expertise in a voluntary capacity are respected and appreciated. One feels a sense of pride from volunteer work and especially when it’s a field I am so passionate about, I’m able to learn a lot about myself and sport in general.
What are your future goals for WP Maccabi?
My main goal for Maccabi is to steadily increase the delegation size we take to each Games. My aim is to grow all sports and promote opportunities for all those who seek to be involved.
Ultimately, I am a naturally competitive person so winning medals at the Maccabi Games is the dream. In addition, I would like to create an environment where our sportsman and sportswoman enjoy the process culminating in the Maccabi Games, thereby, building a culture of togetherness.
I would like to assure everyone that I will do my very best to continue the excellent work done by the legend Ronen Cohen as well as the rest of the Maccabi committee, ensuring WP Maccabi enjoys its rightful place in our community.
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