21st Maccabiah Games returns with a bang!

On 27 June, SAZF CC and Maccabi Western Province held a send-off ceremony for local participants in this year’s Maccabiah Games, which took place from 14 to 26 July.  

Saul Jackson, sports director for Maccabi Western Province addressed the attendees: 

“I stepped into this role towards the end of 2019, prepared for an exciting and challenging task of building the strongest and largest delegation from Maccabi Western Province. In March 2020, everything changed. 

For months we were unable to prepare for the Games, with great uncertainty surrounding whether the event would even take place. From around August 2020 we decided forge ahead and prepare for the best case scenario. It’s been nearly two  years of chaos, but I have enjoyed the challenge. Creating sporting opportunities in the community has given people the chance to forget about the stress and fear of the pandemic, and focus on creating a positive and competitive environment where everyone involved was able to feel part of something bigger.

We would not be where we are today if it were not for the work of Maccabi Western Province’s co-chairpersons Gina Isserow and Vanessa Arelisky. These two women may not be in the limelight, however the amount of hours, hard work, commitment and dedication behind the scenes does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. It may only be the three of us, but I believe we have formed a strong and formidable team. Maccabi is an extremely complex organisation to run and I need to thank each and every parent who has stepped up and offered their support. It has made my job that much more manageable and it is this kind of support that has contributed to us being in the position we find ourselves today. To all our coaches, managers and convenors, without you guys, none of these teams would be possible. Your commitment to the cause has been unbelievable and it has been fantastic working alongside you all. Lastly, a huge thank you to all our sponsors. We greatly appreciate your support and investment in our teams. 

We have approximately 100 athletes, coaches and managers representing Maccabi Western Province. This is a remarkable achievement and something all involved can be truly proud of. I have full confidence in each member of Team SA to represent our country and Jewish community in the best way possible.”

The guests were also addressed by Chairman of Maccabi South Africa, Cliff Garun, and Hagai Golan, treasurer of the Zionist Federation. The three guest speakers for the evening, Hacjivah Dayimani, Robbie Fleck and Anton Chait — all part of the Open Rugby team — shared stories and inspirational messages. 

Click here complete list of participants can be found in last month’s Chronicle.


Maccabi moments

Maccabi South Africa: website

• Published in the August 2022 Digital Edition – Click here to read it.

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