Aussie Maccabiah team picked, proud and pumped
The Australian delegation for the 2025 Maccabiah Games in Israel this July is 360-strong.
The countdown to the 2025 Maccabiah Games in Israel this July is well and truly on for the Australian team, which will be competing in what is known as the Jewish Olympics for the 20th time since 1950.
After a process of athlete nominations, individual and team selection trials, uniform try-on sessions, and some recent training sessions in a variety of sports, the Australian delegation for the 2025 Maccabiah has been officially confirmed as being 360-strong, comprising 125 juniors, 120 open athletes and 55 masters athletes, plus 60 support staff, coaches and team managers.
The youngest in the Aussie delegation is 14, and the eldest 80.
And in a first for Australia, its newly appointed head of delegation, Barry Lipp, will also be competing in the same Games, as a masters triathlete.
Australian athletes of all ages will play in about 20 sports, including in Maccabiah Games newcomers – pickleball, surfing and chess.
The motto for the 2025 Maccabiah Games is “More than Ever”, which Lipp said the Australian delegation has completely embraced.
“October 7, and all that has followed, has shown us, more than ever, the importance of our unity, our connection and our solidarity with Israel.
“In five months, Maccabi Team Australia will proudly show our connection and commitment when we compete in Israel at the 22nd Maccabiah Games.
“We will share our spirit of unity and resilience with Jewish athletes from around the world, in what will be the most meaningful Maccabiah Games yet.”
He added, “That spirit will be on display when we take the first steps on our journey to Maccabiah, in our official Maccabiah torch relays around Australia in April and May.
“As a team, we have committed to [our team’s motto of] ‘Connect as One’ in support of Israel, and in pursuit of our Maccabiah team goals.”
Susannah Swiatlo, Australia’s head of support services, said this year’s Maccabiah Games “will be as meaningful as it will be competitive … and will leave us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
“We will come together with Jewish athletes from around the world to celebrate our heritage … strength, spirit and the incredible bond that unites us all.”
The Australian delegation’s head of sport, Lauren Ehrlich, said the 2025 Maccabiah Games competitive sport program “has it all”.
“Be it climbing, surfing, or your more traditional sports, over 6000 athletes from the Diaspora will converge on Israel’s shores to show support and solidarity,” she said.
“We’re calling on the entire Jewish community to show you are Maccabi proud, by getting behind your Aussie team.”
For updates about the Aussie team’s preparation, follow Maccabi Team Australia on social media.
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