Jnr Carnival to be “best ever”

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ALL is in readiness for the biggest fixture on the Australian Jewish sporting calendar, as more than 800 participants prepare to descend on Melbourne next week for Junior Carnival.

According to event manager Mark Klapish, the 2011 Junior Carnival will be the best of its kind.

And he ought to know.

“This will be my 20th carnival. I was involved in the very first carnival and I’ve seen it grown and grow,” Klapish said.

“I know what’s been done in the past and this is by far the most comprehensive and well-organised carnival to date. There’s no question that this will be the most outstanding carnival that’s ever taken place.”

The event kicks off on Tuesday with the opening ceremony, where Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu will be the guest of hounour.

Klapish said the inclusion of a community day, which will see every participant placed with a community organisation, and the growing international contingent, including teams from Hong Kong and New Zealand, would set the 2011 event apart from its predecessors.

“From a social point of view, I think the international contingent is hugely important. For Australian participants to be able to meet people from other parts of the world is very important. We’re also very excited about our community day and think it’s going to become an integral part of carnivals in the future.”

There will also be a ramped up social calendar, with 2011 set to be bigger and better than previous years.

“Our social functions will be a highlight every night. There will be club nights, foam parties, pool parties, Maccabi Idol.

We’ve also got Shabbatons at three different shuls, so it’s just going to be an incredible week.”

Klapish praised his organising committee for their tireless dedication.

“There are 23 people on the organising committee and every one of them has done an outstanding job.”

ADAM KAMIEN