Jewish National Fund Sponsors 16th Maccabiah Games in Jerusaluem

Jewish National Fund
Tuesday, 10 July 2001

Sponsorship to Finance Opening Events, Organized Tours and Social Activities for Participating Athletes

July 10, 2001 – New York, NY – Jewish National Fund (JNF) is one of this year's sponsors of the 16th Maccabiah Games opening July on 16, 2001 at the Teddy Kollek Stadium in Jerusalem. JNF's contribution will help to finance the opening ceremony and organized tours for participating athletes to visit JNF and Jewish heritage sites around Israel in an effort to deepen ties with Diaspora youth.

"JNF is thrilled to be co-sponsoring this year's games," says JNF Executive Vice President, Russell F. Robinson. "The games have become such an important part of Jewish culture, that it is an honor to be able to support this year's athletes." The Maccabiah Games, sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Olympics", were first held in 1932. Today, the Olympic-style competition is among the top international sporting events in the world. The last Maccabiah Games held in 1997 drew a record 5,500 athletes from 53 nations that competed in 43 different events. It has grown to become not only an athletic extravaganza but a cultural and educational one as well.

"We are proud that the games are continuing," says JNF President, Ronald S. Lauder. "It is important that the Diaspora support Israel in every way and we are proud to have a part in making this possible."

The opening ceremony on July 15th will commence with the lighting of the Maccabiah torch at the Maccabee Caves in JNF's Ben Shemen Forest. A welcome reception will follow at Kfar HaMaccabia, Ramat Gan. There will also be a separate opening ceremony for youth participants on July 19th led by JNF World Co-Chairman Shlomo Gravetz at Jabotinsky Park, Shuni.

In addition to the opening ceremony, JNF will also be playing host to this year's 500 youth participants by leading them on guided tours of various sites in eastern and upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. An "open café", social get-together with Israeli youth will also be hosted by JNF under the patronage of Education Minister Limor Livnat.

Closing ceremonies will take place on July 23, 2001 at Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem. JNF is organizing transportation for all Maccabiah participants, who will arrive at their final destination after passing through a number of JNF sites in Israel such as Canada-Ayalon Park, Burma Road in Rabin Parky, the Martyrs Forest, Herzl House in Hulda Forest, the Ehtaol tree nursery and the Bustanof Project (wild fruit tree grove) at Sataf.

The Maccabiah games have drawn Jewish athletes from all over the world who have gone on to be top professional athletes in their field. Past Maccabiah United States participants include swimmer Mark Spitz, gymnast Mitch Gaylord, National Basketball Association stars Ernie Grunfeld, Dolph Schayes and Danny Schayes, golfer Bruce Fleisher, tennis pros Brad Gilbert and Dick Savitt, and World Cup soccer star Jeff Agoos. Among this year's scheduled participants are NBA Philadelphia 76er's assistant coach, Herb Brown who will coach the US men's basketball team and Olympic champion swimmer, Lenny Krazelberg.

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org