Maccabiah

GB swimmers looking to make a splash in Israel

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:01:22 +0100

Maccabi GB has selected the Team GB Swimming squads who will be aiming for gold at this summer’s 19th Maccabiah Games.

There will be six Junior athletes and two Open athletes competing. The side’s talent pool is overflowing, featuring some of the best young Jewish swimmers in the country.

The GB squad is double the size of that which competed at 2009 Maccabiah Games. However, although most of the swimmers have represented Team GB at either a JCC Games or European Maccabi Games, all eight will be competing at their maiden Maccabiah on July 18.

The Junior Girls Squad includes 2011 European Maccabi Games medallist, Hollie Fisher. Joining her are Chloe Jacobs, Elisha Kramer and Rachel Ayrton, with Robert Dos Santos and Daniel Schindler completing the Junior Boys. All six are JCC Maccabi Games medal-winners and will be hoping to draw upon this experience in Israel.

The Open Squad sees another joint-JCC Maccabi Games and European Maccabi Games medallist take to the water - Naomi Ayrton, older sister of Rachel.

Completing the line-up is possibly the team’s most experienced swimmer, Adam Warner – winner of the Brighton Pier-to-Pier Race 2012, as well as two Golds (800 and 1500m freestyle) and one Bronze (400m freestyle) at the British Gas Senior and Masters National Championships.

Injecting some much-needed experience and guidance to the Squad will be Team Manager, Abbi Pinnick. She has a plethora of Maccabiot under her belt, having won a Swimming Relay Bronze in 2001 and a Netball Silver from 2009. She has also overseen the Maccabi GB Swimming Squad at the JCC Maccabi Games 2010.

Speaking about expectations for her swimmers at the 19th Maccabiah Games, Pinnick, said, "Having represented my country before at the Maccabiah Games, I know that the Squad will have a fantastic time – it is my job to ensure they enjoy themselves and the whole experience.

"We have some very talented swimmers in both age groups and I’m excited to be part of Maccabi GB alongside them and other members of the Jewish Community from around the world."

TEAM GB MACCABIAH SWIMMING SQUAD:

Junior Girls:
Rachel Ayrton
Chloe Jacobs
Elisha Kramer
Hollie Fisher

Junior Boys:
Robert Dos Santos
Daniel Schindler

Open Women:
Naomi Ayrton

Open Men:
Adam Warner

Team GB names Maccabiah water polo squad

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:01:55 +0100

Team GB will take a 12-man Water Polo squad to compete at this summer’s 19th Maccabiah Games.

The side’s talent pool is overflowing, featuring some of the best players in the country, and managing to blend youth with experience. Included in the squad are two Maccabiah debutants, Josh Brown and Jared Baker, who both play at a top level in the British National Water Polo League.

Joining them is David Lewis, who played for GB as an 18-year-old in 1997 and has since been playing at a high standard in Australia.

The side will be hoping that leading talent, James Kattan, will be fit in time for 18th July as he is recovering from recent keyhole surgery on his shoulder.

Maccabi GB will be lead by one of the top Water Polo coaches, Nikola Jovanovic. Jovanovic’s CV is one of the most impressive in the Team GB delegation.

Having played in the first division Water Polo for Serbian Club NIS Classic from 1992-2000, he went on to coach and manage the side from 2000-2005. During that time, NIS was a force to be reckoned with, as the team featured strongly in the first division, the Serbian-Montenegro Cup, LEN Cup and they won the European Water Polo League.

In 2008 he moved to the UK to become Development Officer at the London Swimming Regional Training Centre, which was followed by a role as the London 2012 Olympic Games Technical Operations Manager for Water Polo.

In preparations for Israel, the team has entered a European water polo tournament in Mallorca, Spain just two weeks before they leave for Israel. Most of the squad and the GB Management Team will be travelling to Spain for what should be ideal preparation against teams from Spain, England and Germany.

GB player Neil Haftal said: “The more experienced players in the squad, who have been to previous Maccabiot, are under no illusion of the tough task that faces us in Israel. Water Polo is a major sport in Israel, USA, Hungary and Brazil with many of their squads playing full time. We are, however, boosted by securing the experienced Serbian coach, Nikola Jovanovic, and some fantastic talent in the side.

“Playing for Maccabi GB at the Maccabiah Games is one of the greatest honours you can have as a British Jew and I know that all the boys will enjoy themselves, whether they’ve been before or are going to Israel for the first time."

SQUAD:

Jared Baker (18)
Started playing at HABS. Has represented county and regional level for under-18 and trained with the Great Britain team. Started playing for Maccabi GB in 2008 and has since played for Watford and Polytechnic. Currently playing in the British National League First Division.

Steve Behr (40)
Started playing at HABS. Played under-16 for North England Students then with Polytechnic in 1st Division National League for eight years (1998 - 2005). Past Maccabiot: 1989, 1993 and 1997.

Ashley Blake (32, Goalkeeper)
Started playing at HABS. Represented Middlesex and Southern Counties and invited to train with England. Played at University of Birmingham and Penguin Juniors.

Josh Brown (21)
Played at City of London School (2003-2009), Polytechnic (2007-2011), Durham, Team Northumbria (2011-current) and University (2010-present). Top-scorer in the British National League Championship Division Two this year.

Arron Gould (16)
Played in the ESSA (National League). Under-14 and under-16 winner and was recently a finalist in the under-18 age group. Trains with the Manchester Water Polo Club Men's team and regularly trains with the GB National Women's team.

Neil Haftel (57)
Started playing at Harrow at both local and National League level. Currently plays for Watford in the National, London and Middlesex Leagues. Past Maccabiot: 1973, 1977 (Swimming) 1989, 1993 and 2005 (Water Polo).

Dan Kattan (36)
Started playing at HABS and has played for Herts County, Southern Counties and Manchester University, where he won the BUSA Championship. Playing in Middlesex, Herts and London Leagues since 1993 with Maccabi GB and now Watford. Past Maccabiot: 1993, 1997 and 2005

James Kattan (32)
Started playing at HABS. Has represented County, Regional and International all at U18 Level. Played National League Division 1 with Hammersmith Penguins before University, now playing with Watford and Maccabi GB. Past Maccabiot: 1997 and 2005

Sammy Kattan (35)
Started playing at HABS. Represented County and Regional at under-18 level. Played at Leeds University. Currently living in Israel. Past Maccabiah: 1997

David Lewis (33)
Started playing at Highgate School. Represented Southern Counties and captained Middlesex. He also played for Penguin Juniors as well as representing the University of Massachussets at the NCAA Division One Final Four Water Polo Championships. He currently plays for the UNSW Wests Magpies in the Sydney Metro League. Past Maccabiah: 1997

Yakov Sadovskii (28)
Started playing in Canada at age 11. Played two seasons in the French National League, followed by two seasons with Ealing in British National league. Currently plays for Watford in the National, London and Middlesex Leagues.

Gyorgy Szemere (35)
Started in Hungary aged seven for KSI. Played for the University of Birmingham and Maccabi GB in 1996. Played for a year in German Team, Essen06. Trained with London Polytechnic in preparation for the Maccabiah games in 2005. Currently plays for Zurich City Water Polo team in the Swiss First Division, East National League and Second Division North National League (2nd XI). Past Maccabiah: 2005

GB Maccabiah Junior Netball squad selected

Danny Caro — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:14:20 +0100

Maccabi GB has selected 11 athletes who will represent Team GB’s Junior Netball squad at this summer’s 19th Maccabiah Games.

The side has a relatively new feel to it, with all the Netballers playing in a Maccabiah Games for the first time.

The group will be lead by Team Manager and Netball coach, Gemma Caplan, who won silver at the 2009 Maccabiah Games in this competition.

The team will be aiming to go one step further this year and return with gold, with Vanessa McErlain-Naylor – a UKCC Level 3 coach who works with the Yorkshire Jets Netball Talent League team - appointed Head Coach. She will bring her valuable experience and expertise to coach the side before and during the competition in Israel.

Vanessa McErlain-Naylor said: "All players and staff are fully committed to the team and working hard to achieve the goal of coming home with a medal. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the whole experience.

"We are proud to be participating at the Maccabiah Games, representing Team GB and competing alongside other Jewish athletes from around the world."

Maccabi GB Netball Chair, Beverly Jones said: "The squad has started at a higher skill level, with the majority playing league and regional netball this season.

"We are lucky to have Vanessa coaching the squad - already there is a great team spirit and together with their commitment and skills make for a winning team. I see gold medals in their hands."

SQUAD:
Lauren Abrahams
Ella Benson
Sophie Cohen
Rachel Cooklin
Ruby Glaskie
Harriet Grant
Sophie Massing
Nicola Osrin
Lauren Shiers
Imogen Wise
Juliette Wise

Donne names 21 to defend Maccabiah gold

Danny Caro — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:03:17 +0100

Team GB has named a 21-man Over-45’s football squad for the 19th Maccabiah Games.

GB manager Brian Donne has called-up a number of Maccabiah newcomers in his side. However, those who are returning to Israel this summer have a wealth of experience between them as they attempt to defend the gold medals they brought home from the 2009 Games.

The squad will be overseen by Donne, who is managing Team GB for the first time. He will be assisted by Maccabi GB vice-chairman Daniel Collins, with former Manchester City star Barry Silkman taking the role of Head Coach. The trio will also be playing members of the squad.

Peter Lazard and Paul Wise will be vital in bringing their wise heads to the group, both making an impressive eighth consecutive Maccabiah Games appearance each. Adding to that experience will be Laurence Swerner, who was the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot Winner in 2009.

Preparations for this summer have been going well, with the squad recently returning from a training weekend at the National Football Centre – St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent. Whilst here, they were put through their paces by Silkman, before playing a warm-up match against players from the north, including some ex-pros such as Champions League winner, Denis Irwin. The match ended 3-3.

Speaking about his side, Donne said: "The great thing about this squad is that most have never been to a Maccabiah Games. This will make it extra specialn for them and I know they will enjoy every moment they’re out there, taking their experiences home with them.

"The enthusiasm, excitement and togetherness of the players are our biggest attributes – with them, we will go a long way in the tournament and, hopefully, repeat the success of 2009."

"Barry Silkman offers amazing coaching skills and experience, which showed during the warm-up game against the ex-pros. We truly believe this side will go from strength-to-strength. Our role is to help each player get the maximum out of their ability and hope they enjoy the Maccabiah experience so they can encourage their children and grandchildren to take part in future Maccabiot whenever possible."

Assistant-manager Daniel Collins said: "Already we have become a really tight-knit group and I think that showed when we held our own against a strong side at St. George’s Park. We're proud of that result and we’re looking to build on that en route to Israel.

"I’ve been to the last few Maccabiah Games and I know that those in the squad who are going for the first time will enjoy their experience.

"I would like to personally thank Stuart Lustigman and the Maccabi Masters Football League. Without them a lot of us would not have the means to extend our playing careers and, as such, not have this fantastic opportunity to represent Maccabi GB at the Maccabiah Games."

SQUAD:
Daniel Collins
Brian Donne
Jonathan Dubiner
Jonathan Feldman
Charles Glaskie
Daniel Goldman
Jason Harris
Mark Kingston
Peter Lazard
Darryl Lazarus
Simon Leslie
Adam Meranda
Clive Nathan
Russell Rich
Richard Sacks
Barry Silkman
Frank Steinberg
Laurence Swerner
Paul Wise
Daniel Wolfson
Perry Yam

GB names 14-man junior cricket squad

Danny Caro — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:37:21 +0100

Maccabi GB have selected 14 players who will make up Team GB’s Junior Cricket squad for this summer’s 19th Maccabiah Games.

The side, managed by Leverstock Green CC's 1xt XI captain, Maccabi Association London batsman and former London Maccabi Vale Colts coach, Mark Landau, features a number of players involved at adult level or for their county. All the cricketers will be making their debut in Israel in July.

Maccabi GB will be looking to return home with the gold medal this time, after losing in the 2009 Final to South Africa.

Assisting Landau will be Junior Cricket Head Coach, John Maunders, and Junior Cricket assistant-manager, Alex Ziff. Maunders, a successful coach, has played over 150 professional games, including 90 first-class games over a career spanning 12 years. He also has experience with England age group squads, as well as Essex, Leicestershire and Middlesex. Ziff, also a qualified coach, is in a fairly unique position to help prepare the squad for what to expect in Israel, having been a member of the last two Junior Cricket squads, in 2005 and 2009.

Speaking about his squad and the team’s expectations for the 19th Maccabiah Games, Landau said: "I'm looking for this exceptional squad of young people to have a great time in Israel - culturally, educationally and on a sporting front.

"Team GB are going out to Israel with one cricketing goal in mind – to win the gold medal."

Joint Sports Chair Jonathan Lederman commented: "This is the strongest squad we have taken to a Maccabiah Games. There is lots of hard work to be done, but we are confident we will be really competitive and are looking forward to the challenges ahead."

SQUAD:

GRANT REINGOLD (Captain - Middlesex, Stanmore)
RHB, LS - an attacking leg-spinner who gives the ball a big rip, and a solid top-order batsman. He has a calm head on young shoulders and will lead the squad well

SIMEON COHEN (Radlett CC, London Maccabi Vale)
RHB, SLA - a talented left-arm spinner who is also capable of hitting the ball hard in the lower middle order

MICHAEL ETTLINGER (Brondesbury CC)
RHB, WK - a hard-hitting batsman who is strong through the offside. He is also a more-than-capable wicketkeeper

JOSHUA FREY (London Maccabi Vale & Radlett CC)
RHB, RM - Bowls natural out-swing at a lively pace. He is also an excellent fielder whether in the ring or on the boundary

JONNY GOULD (London Maccabi Vale)
RHB, RM - an all-round talent who bowls medium pace with a variety of slower balls and is capable of batting in the top order. He is an outstanding athlete who is very good in the field

BARNABY GRAFF (Brondesbury CC)
RHB, RFM - another talented all-rounder and exceptional athlete who bowls bustling fast-medium out-swing and can also bat very well

NOAH LIPSCHITZ (Hertfordshire, Radlett CC)
RHB, RM - a hard-hitting opening batsman with strong shots down the ground. He is a good athlete who can also bowl useful medium pace

ADAM MEYER (Brondesbury CC)
RHB, WK - a solid top-order batter with a strong offside game, and a good quality wicketkeeper

JOSEPH NYMAN (London Maccabi Vale)
RHB, RM - One of the fastest improving players in the squad. Bowls intelligent nagging in-swingers and can bat well down the order

JOSHUA OEHLEY (Cheadle, South Manchester)
RHB, RFM - a bustling, strong-bodied medium pacer. A good athlete and attacking lower order batter

STEVEN REINGOLD (Middlesex, Stanmore)
One of the youngest members of the squad but also one of the most talented. A superb off-spinner and burgeoning talent with the bat. One of the best catchers in the group

MAX SUGARMAN (Kimberley Institute)
RHB, RFM - a tall seam bowler capable of swinging the ball at good pace. A strong middle-order batter able to clear the boundaries in the latter part of an innings

JORDAN URBAN (Hertfordshire, Shenley Village)
Another top talent. Has all the shots allied with a tight technique. Bowls decent off-spin

JACK WINTON (Radlett CC)
RHB, RM - a solid top-order batsman with a nice natural technique. Bowls a bit of medium pace and is another who is a good athlete

GB Maccabiah Track & Field squad unveiled

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:38:35 +0100

Maccabi GB has named its Track & Field squads for this summer’s 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel.

The Open and Junior Squads are made up of 10 athletes, competing in events ranging from Javelin and High Jump to 100m sprint and the 3,000m race.

Spearheading Team GB’s Juniors will be former Woodford Green Athletics Club runner, Joel Goodman, who is registered to compete. He will be assisted by Men’s Open sprinter, Nick Davis, who is also competing at the Maccabiah. Robin Fish will be the Squad’s Coordinator.

The delegation includes some of the best Jewish Track & Field athletes in the country, with the Junior athletes already showing class and promise.

Long sprint/middle distance runner, Aaron Spalter is part of the Watford Harriers Athletics Club who previously won the boys U15 Hertfordshire Championship.

James Bongart is a double-County and School Javelin Champion, and was ranked no. 1 in Essex, second in London and 27th in the country in 2012.

Making his debut at a Maccabiah Games is Sam Shindler-Glass, a top 20 English Schools Cross-Country runner and 2012 Middlesex Schools Cross-Country Champion.

Another sprinter, Adam Muscat is a two-time district Champion and fourth-fastest U15 100m runner in the country.

Ellie Edwards is GB's only female competitor in track and field, abnd she will also make her debut appearance at the 19th Maccabiah Games. A member of Trafford Athletics Club in Manchester, she is currently the ninth fastest 200m runner in England for her age group, having previously been a Greater Manchester County Champion in the 100m and a Manchester Primary School’s cross country champion.

Speaking about his hopes for the squad, GB Junior Track & Field manager Joel Goodman said: "I am very much looking forward to seeing all of the athletes perform to their full potential and I hope that many of them will be able to bring a medal home.

"Athletics is a solitary sport whilst training, and the athletes represent different clubs, so it will be exciting for them all to come together as young Jewish representatives to form a team with the same goal when they travel to Israel.

"I hope that all of the athletes will become stronger competitors as a result of taking part in the Maccabiah Games 2013."

Speaking about his role, he added, "I cannot wait to be a part of the biggest Jewish sporting event in the world. I am looking forward to helping the squad perform at the highest possible level that they are capable of and ensuring that their experience during the Maccabiah Games is an amazing one.

"I am also excited for all of the educational trips the athletes will experience, as well as their opportunity to meet other Jewish people their age from around the world.

"This will be my first trip to Israel so I have even more reason to be excited for the Maccabiah Games 2013. Bring on July."

MACCABI GB TRACK & FIELD SQUAD FOR 19TH MACCABIAH GAMES

COMMITTEE

Joel Goodman - Maccabi Team GB Junior Track and Field Manager

Nick Davis - Maccabi Team GB Junior Track and Field Assistant-Manager

Robin Fish – UK Track and Field Coordinator

JUNIOR SQUAD

James Bongart
(Boys 100m; Boys Long Jump; Boys Javelin; Open Men’s Javelin; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay)

Adam Muscat
(Boys 100m; Boys 200m; Boys Long Jump; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay; Open Men’s 4x100m Relay)

Jack Reece
(Boys 100m; Boys 200m; Boys Shot Put; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay; Open Men’s 4x100m Relay)

Aaron Spalter
(Boys 400m; Boys 800m; Boys Long Jump; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay; Open Men’s 4x400m Relay)

Daniel Gubbay
(Boys 400m; Boys 800m; Boys High Jump; Boys Long Jump; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay; Open Men’s 4x400m Relay)

Sam Schindler-Glass
(Boys 800m; Boys 1500m; Boys 3000m Boys 800m; Boys 4x100m Relay; Boys 4x400m Relay)

Ellie Edwards
(Girls 100m; Girls 200m; Girls 400m; Girls Long Jump)

OPEN SQUAD

Nick Davis
(Open Men’s 200m; Open Men’s 400m; Open Men’s 4x100m Relay; Open Men’s 4x400m Relay)

Oliver Ziff
(Open Men’s 5000m; Open Men’s 4x100m Relay; Open Men’s 4x400m Relay)

Jogger recovering after dog bite attack

Marcus Dysch — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:28 +0100

A music teacher and Maccabiah Games team manager, is recovering from a testicle-saving operation after being bitten in the groin by a dog.

Joel Goodman, 28, was attacked while out jogging and underwent emergency surgery to save his testicle.

He said the brown and white dog, thought to be an English Bull Terrier, had pounced without warning.

The animal’s owner spoke to Mr Goodman following the incident, but offered no assistance, saying only that he was not from the area before walking off with the dog.

Mr Goodman alerted a neighbour who rushed him to hospital. He has been unable to return to work as a piano and singing teacher since the attack, in Epping, Essex, a fortnight ago.

He appealed for the dog to be caught and put down, and its owner – thought to be an eastern European man in his 30s or 40s, be prosecuted.

Mr Goodman, who is due to manage Team GB's athletics team at this summer's Maccabiah in Israel, said this week he needed “space and time” to recover from his injuries.

Pollacks boosts Maccabiah football squad

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:58:58 +0100

Team GB Open football manager David Pollack has added two players to his squad that will compete at the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel in July.

Goalkeeper Tomer Sherman played for Hapoel Haifa during their Liga Leumit Championship-winning season of 2008-2009.

Jake Furman, the younger brother of Doncaster Rovers player Dean Furman, comes into the side from a football scholarship in Miami. He has previous experience at a Maccabiah Games having been selected for the under-18 squad in 2009.

Pollock said: "I've been an admirer of Jake for a long time. We wanted to take him to previous International Games but, due to his University scholarship commitments, he was unable to link up with us.

"However, now we have him in the squad I feel he has a lot to offer and he’ll be a great outlet for Maccabi GB.

"With Tomer, he has played at a very high standard and will bring a lot of experience to the squad and, specifically, to help young Declan Green, the other keeper in the squad."

With just over three months until the start of the Games, Pollack believes his squad is shaping up well. He said: "We have had a number of sessions together, including some team-bonding trips to local, Jewish charities – including visits to Maccabi GB, CST, Jewish Care and Norwood.

"There has also been a lot of success with the ‘Money Can’t Buy’ Open Football Raffle, drawn last month, with over £29,000 raised, which will greatly contribute to Maccabi GB’s athletes competing in Israel this summer."

Israel prepares for star-studded Maccabiah Games

Simon Griver — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:43:35 +0000

Amir Peled says this summer’s Maccabiah Games in Israel will be the biggest and best after confirming that a number of Olympic stars will take part.

American gymnast Aly Raisman will be the star performer at what will be the largest-ever gathering of athletes at the Jewish Olympics.

Speaking at the Maccabiah Plenum this week, Games chairman Peled said: "More than 6,500 competitors will be coming from abroad, with countries such as Cuba taking part for the first time, in a Games that will stress the quality of the competition."

Peled said that 9,000 competitors from 72 countries will participate at the 19th Maccabiah, featuring 42 sports in four categories – Youth, Open, Masters and Paralympics.

That quality will include Raisman who won two gold medals and a bronze in the women’s artistic gymnastics in London last summer. Raisman won gold dancing to her Hava Nagilah routine and will be honoured during the opening ceremony and, although she will give a performance, she is not expected to compete.

Among the competitors will be Brazilian judo bronze medallist Felipe Kitadel, as well as Australian sprinter Steven Solomon, who finished eighth in the 400m final in London last year.

The American delegation, who will once again be the largest visiting squad, will feature 2008 double Olympic gold medallist Garrett Weber-Gale and New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire, who recently discovered he has Jewish heritage.

Israel’s former European Games pole vault gold medallist Alex Averbukh will come out of retirement to compete.

New sports introduced into the Maccabiah this year will include ice hockey, handball, shooting, archery, bridge, badminton and open water swimming. Maccabi Tel Aviv coach David Blatt won Maccabiah gold in the basketball competition in 1981. He was the only Israeli to win a medal in London as coach of Russia’s basketball team that finished third.

Blatt said: "Winning the Maccabiah was a great dream which I achieved and which gave me a deep connection to Israel."

The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the recently expanded 30,000-seat Teddy stadium in Jerusalem on July 18 and 30 respectively, and an estimated 30,000 tourists will visit Israel to watch family and friends compete.

Great Britain is expected to send a delegation in the region of 400.

Team GB unveils Maccabiah table tennis squad

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:31:00 +0000

Maccabi GB have selected the GB Table Tennis Squad for this summer’s Maccabiah Games in Israel.

The squad is made up of four teams – Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Open Men and Masters – and is spearheaded by multi-medal winner and Maccabiah stalwart Dov Katz, also co-chair of the Maccabi GB international table tennis committee.

The delegation features the cream of English Jewish Table Tennis talent, many of whom have Maccabiah experience, with a number of highly-ranked England players.

The Junior Boys team features Jack Josephs, a double-gold-medal winner at the last European Maccabi Games in Vienna and current England Junior No. 60; and the trio of Sasha Somers, Joseph Klein and Ronen Weinstein, who are all competing in their first Maccabiah Games.

The Junior Girls Team has two athletes - Zoe Waxkirsh, England Junior Girls No. 151, and Sharon Bamberg – both of whom will also be competing in their maiden Maccabiah.

The Open Men and Masters Teams are laced with players who have international experience. These include Ashley Stokes, medal-winner at both the 2009 Maccabiah Games and 2011 European Maccabi Games and current England Men’s no. 71; Louis Rosenthal, multi-medal winner at numerous Maccabiah Games and former England U21 no. 2; Rafi Marom, playing in his third Maccabiah and who earned the highest medal haul by any GB table tennis player at the 2004 JCC Maccabi Games; and former European Maccabi Games bronze medallist, Guy Ben-Aroya, who will be featuring in his first Maccabiah. Another former European Maccabi Games athlete, Michael Gerrard, leads the Masters Team in his debut Maccabiah Games.

Team Manager Dov Katz said: "Table Tennis is one of the few sports that Jewish players excel at on the national stage and we are privileged to boast a squad which includes an array of nationally ranked players. With the athletes we’ve got, our Men’s Open Team have every chance of winning a medal and emulating the 2009 Men’s Squad [who won bronze]. Our Junior Team also comprises top players alongside some up-and-coming stars, and Mike Gerrard, another talented player and member of the 2007 European Maccabi Games squad, leads the Masters team."

Speaking about his goals for the 19th Maccabiah he said: "At the European Maccabi Games in Vienna in 2011, we had unprecedented success winning three golds, three silvers and three bronzes with each member of the squad winning a medal. Israel this summer will be a much tougher competition but we are confident that we will do well. We have selected a squad that has a beautiful blend of international experience and Maccabiah debutants, both strong in ability and individuals that understand the Maccabi ethos. Whilst we want to come back with medals, making Jewish friends from all over the world will be the defining legacy of this squad.

"We have a superb committee in place comprising myself, Lee Vandermolen as my co-Chair, Mel Davidson, the Chairman of Maccabi GB Table Tennis and Junior Team Manager Yoni Caspi, who himself is an excellent player, and we are all working hard to ensure that everyone has an enriching and life-changing experience."

Maccabi GB Table Tennis chairman Mel Davidson said: "Our Senior Team is made up of players who are currently or have recently earned their living from playing and teaching the sport of Table Tennis, making them by definition true professionals. They are held in high regard by players from within and outside the Jewish Table Tennis fraternity and as a team are of a standard to be envious of. For these reasons I am confident that they can achieve a medal-winning position."

SQUAD:

19th Maccabiah GB Table Tennis Committee:
Dov Katz - Co-Chair
Lee Vandermolen - Co-Chair
Mel Davidson - Chairman of Maccabi GB Table Tennis

Team Manager:
Dov Katz

Junior Team Manager:
Yoni Caspi

Junior Boys:
Jack Josephs
Sasha Somers
Joseph Klein
Ronen Weinstein

Junior Girls:
Zoe Waxkirsh
Sharon Bamberg

Open Men’s:
Ashley Stokes
Louis Rosenthal
Rafi Marom
Guy Ben-Aroya

Masters:
Michael Gerrard

Maccabi GB is still looking for Masters (40+) players and any interested applicants are encouraged to complete the online application form which is available from www.maccabigb.org.