U.S. team largest from outside Israel
Olympic medalist swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg leading U.S. delegation of more than 800 athletes
The U.S. team, with 800 athletes, is the largest delegation from outside of Israel.
According to Carner, the Games are an important display of Jewish unity and support for Israel.
“Few events bring Jews together in the spirit of support for the Jewish nation as the Maccabiah games," he said. "Since its inception, the Maccabiah has presented the very best of Jewish athleticism and it is time for the rest of the world to take notice of our strength and solidarity within the Jewish people and for the state of Israel.”
Many of the athletes representing the United States come from the highest levels of amateur and collegiate sports, and feature several NCAA stars in a variety of sports.
Herb Brown, assistant coach of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, will coach the U.S. men’s basketball team. Competitors from the United States vary in ages from teenagers who will be competing at the Junior level to athletes well into their 70s.
In addition to the athletic events, which largely will be centered around facilities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, participants will have the opportunity to tour the country and gain a firsthand understanding of the country's complex social and political environment, the Maccabi USA organization said.
Online results of the Games, and information on U.S. athletes can be found at www.maccabiausa.com
