The 13th European Maccabi Games saw Team GB take its largest-ever delegation to Vienna. They brought home a record medal haul and shared in an experience of a lifetime with more than 2,000 Jews from around the globe.
“My first Maccabi Games has been an excellent experience. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely do it again. I’ve had a fantastic time overall and learnt a lot. I have also made some wonderful friends, and of course, scored a hat-trick against Germany.” Sara Lyons (Women’s Football)
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“It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve loved every minute. We had a great team, a great manager in Adam Lustigman and a great coach in Paul Shamplina. It was a brand new experience to me but I absolutely loved it and hope to do it again.” Jamie Kaye (Masters Futsal)
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“It’s been about forging Jewish ties through sport. There’s a real value in these Maccabi Games and I think that different people get different things out of it. I had shoulder surgery five months ago and my surgeon said I wouldn’t make these Games, but with just nine weeks preparation, I’m glad I did. I’ve won five golds overall in various Maccabi Games and I think I’m done. Matt Crawcour (Squash)
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“First Maccabi Games, first goal, best bunch of guys, best experience I’ve ever had (apart from the wife and kids). Here’s to Israel in two years.” Mark Wagman (Masters Futsal)
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“A great time, a great European tournament but the best memory is how the whole squad has knitted and bonded together.” Ian Mablin (Table Tennis)
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“The team spirit you get with futsal is incredible. Everyone played as if they had fallen back in love with the game. I look forward to improving on silver.” Ollie Olsen (Masters Futsal)
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“These were my first Maccabi Games and I loved every minute. I think they could have had more organised events in the evening but I’m looking forward to returning and playing in a higher standard competition at the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel. Sam Levin (Squash)
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“I think we’ve been fantastic. This was my third Maccabi Games and once again, it’s been incredible. My brother, Alex, competed in his first Games and can’t wait to do the next one. He feels as though he’s missed out. I’ve won silver and am over the moon. Gideon Barnett (Masters Futsal)
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“It’s been an honour to be here and play futsal against some of the best Jewish players in the world. As ever, the experience is one that I will always remember.” Phil Caplin (Masters Futsal)
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"Tremendous team spirit and the biggest ever medal haul. Big congratulations to David Kyte, Sam Cohen and the whole team.” Stephen Schindler (Masters Golf)
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“On a personal level, I was disappointed to miss the final against Russia in my last ever Games. But it’s time for some of the younger boys to step up.” Danny Schweiger (Masters Futsal)
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“It was an absolutely incredible week. It’s surpassed everything. We were amazing as a group on and off the pitch. We gave absolutely everything this week.” Danny Reuben (Masters Futsal)
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“An unbelievable week, so proud of what the boys have achieved. We’ve been building up to it for eight months. It was a great experience and I’m proud of everyone in the team.” Jonathan Green (Open Futsal)
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“Lusty and Shamps put a squad of inexperienced futsal players together and turned them into a squad of silver medals winners in a sport that, historically, is not Britain’s strongest. The closest-knit team I’ve ever played for and a fantastic Games.” Laurence Newman (Masters Futsal)
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“The futsal experience was fantastic. I’ve never experienced a bond within a group of footballers like it. Made some really good friends and had a fantastic time. As an event, this was my first experience and I’d definitely like to do it again in Israel in two years time. For Jews across the world, meeting different nationalities is something I’ll cherish.” Steve Summers (Open futsal)
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"Being so young, I was happy to be involved and it was a great experience for me to win gold in my first Maccabiah. Loved all the lads and want to thank them all for making it such an enjoyable time for me." Ben Ellis (Open Football)
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"My first Maccabiah experience and I did not want it to end. I have memories and friends for life. I'm even going on Kleiny's stag! Playing Futsal was a great experience as we were all new to the game and worked so hard over the months so we could have a successful tournament. We had a great relationship with the other two futsal teams and we all supported each other all the way through. It was extra special having my brother there to share the experience with. I thank JC, Motti, Sugy and Dalia for bringing together a team that made history." Ben Sollosi (Open Futsal)
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"Every part of the event was special, but the spirit amongst team GB is what stood out. When we were beaten by Lithuania in the semi-final the boys were very down, but the coach journey back from the game was one of the most uplifting moments of my life. The Masters Futsal team took out their drum and started singing a song for each one of our players. By the end of the coach journey all our boys were on their feet singing and dancing. We won the bronze the next day. I think that in years to come people will look back at what this Futsal squad achieved as the moment when Maccabi Futsal matured as a sport in its own right." Motti Colman (Open Futsal)
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“An amazing experience, great bunch of boys and I’ve started to get into futsal, surprisingly. My daughters had 11 dads for the week and were brilliantly looked after. “ Rachel Silver Greenberg (Masters Futsal WAG)
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Email your European Maccabi Games memories to dcaro@thejc.com
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