THE ‘’JEWISH OLYMPICS’’ A GREAT SUCCESS FOR MACCABI SOUTH AFRICA

Following two years of turmoil, uncertainty and delays due to the Covid pandemic, over 9000 athletes from 59 countries took part in the 21^st Maccabi Games in Israel in July, 2022. A huge mazel tov to Maccabi World Union on this remarkable achievement!

ROAD TO THE MACCABIAH

For Maccabi SA it was also a challenging undertaking, having to make all final plans and arrangements in six months instead of the customary 12-18 months. Following a tricky period of hosting trials throughout 2021 in accordance with Covid regulations, Team SA was finalised in early 2022 and preparations began.

As an NPO, Maccabi SA traditionally fundraises to subsidise the considerable cost of the Games, as well as to pay operational expenses. Due to the tight timeline the pressure was immense, but thanks to a very successful Maccabi SA Sports Quiz sponsored by Bidvest and RAM; a donation from the King David Trust to Maccabi Western Province; a subsidy from Maccabi World Union; together with many other generous donations and sponsorships; over R4.8 million was raised. The majority of this funding was used for the Maccabi SA Bursary Programme, in which 56 athletes received financial assistance to attend the Games.

Despite the many obstacles, in July 2022 Maccabi South Africa competed in their 20^th Games, having first competed at the 2^nd Games in 1935. Our core leadership team was small but very effective: my thanks and congratulations go to Farrell Cohen (Head of Delegation), Ros Goldin (Head of Games Committee), Jarred Gronemann (Sports Director SA), Saul Jackson (Sports Director WP), Daniel Sauer (Medical Manager), and Jared Poulton and Daniella Sher (Junior Managers). Team SA was also very fortunate to have orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Brad Gelbart, heading up the medical team.

The delegation of 249 athletes and officials, featuring an impressive 140 Juniors, competed in 18 sports including the inaugural tournaments of padel and surfing. We were also excited to enter weightlifting again for the first time since 1969.

Maccabi SA has been deeply rooted in the community for 87 years and we are very proud of the ongoing support through the generations. Our 2022 team once again featured this family legacy with six sets of fathers and sons as well as many children and grandchildren of previous Maccabians taking part. There were also 20 pairs of siblings.

I was delighted to compete in my 5^th Maccabiah, this time as both Chairman and a Masters swimmer, and was joined by five other ‘’No. 5 Club’’ members, some of whom have also attended in different capacities over the years: Barney Girnun (cricket); Farrell Cohen (management and medical), Gadi Cohen (football and futsal), Jacqui Boyd (tennis), and Rob Sulcas who remarkably competed in his 4^th sport (squash, football, tennis and padel).

For the first time we were allowed to select two persons for the prestigious role of flagbearer and gold medal winners Adam Lipschitz (athletics) and Jacqui Boyd (tennis) proudly led Team SA into Teddy Stadium at the impressive Opening Ceremony in Jerusalem.

TEAM SA SHINES ON WORLD STAGE

Team Maccabi SA has a very successful track record at the Games and in 2022 once again punched well above their weight. South Africa came 7^th overall out of 59 countries, with all the teams ahead being 2-3 times bigger. SA won 51 medals in total, with swimming bringing home a massive haul of 34 medals – the most medals won by any Maccabi SA sport at a single Games in Israel. The final medal tally was 15 gold, 13 silver and 23 bronze. A hearty mazel tov to all!

The most individual medals were won by swimmers: matric pupil Hannah Robertson won six medals, including three golds, followed by Masters swimmer Dave Letschert who won five medals, also including three golds. South African distance athlete Adam Lipschitz successfully defended his 2017 10km title, while the team’s oldest athlete, Moshe Duek, won gold in the Grand Masters golf nett competition.

In the team sports, the Junior cricketers had a very successful tournament, demolishing the opposition and winning gold for the 5^th time, having won every Games since youth cricket was introduced.

The Open rugby team, captained by the talented Stormers flanker Hacjivah Dayimani whose late father was a Nigerian Igbo Jew, beat Great Britain 33-6 in the 15’s final in front of a packed Wingate stadium. Our 7’s team, captained by Tom Walker, won silver. In another proud legacy story, Tom’s dad Brett and his teammate Jordan Chait’s dad, Anton (our Rugby Manager), played together at the 1989 Games, also winning the gold.

The u16 football team faced a very tough draw, but played with great discipline and sportsmanship and were deserving winners of the Maccabi Football Fair Play Award.

Team SA proudly featured 57 female athletes and officials. The u16 and u18 netball teams both won bronze medals and were excellent ambassadors for women’s sport and Maccabi SA.

In addition to providing the opportunity to represent South Africa on the world stage, Maccabi offers many other valuable experiences. Team SA explored the culture and history of Israel, from Mt Hermon and the Galilee down to the Dead Sea. There were also very moving visits to Yad Vashem and many enjoyable hours spent in the Old City. A nachas highlight was the barmitzvah ceremony at the Kotel for six members of the rugby squad.

The Closing Ceremony in Tel Aviv was a fitting finale to not only an incredible two weeks of fierce competition, but importantly also connecting with Judaism and Jewish culture, and cementing new friendships with athletes from every corner of the globe. Following the pandemic, more than ever the Maccabiah was a truly powerful celebration of life.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

The Maccabi Games is a massive undertaking and would not have been possible without the passionate support of the Jewish community. The Maccabi movement worldwide is built on the spirit of volunteerism and South Africa is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers – officials, convenors, coaches, managers and medical personnel – who generously give of their time and skills. In addition, the support from all the parents and community businesses, and use of school sports facilities (King David Linksfield and Herzlia Schools in particular), all contributed to deliver a successful and memorable 2022 Maccabi Games. Our very grateful thanks to all. Kol hakavod!

We now begin a new cycle of strategic planning and delivery, so that we may continue to serve and inspire our community through sport.

Wishing you a healthy, safe and sporting 2023.

Clifford Garrun

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Maccabi South Africa