Maccabi Australia International Games Update
Maccabi NSW talks to MAIGS Australian Team Manager Ellana Aarons tells us everything we need to know about next month’s Games.
David Weiner: Final countdown is on, how’s the Australian team shaping up?
Ellana Aarons
Ellana: I am really excited about how the team has come together. We are fielding high quality sides in all sports being competed.
With 6 basketball teams in total, this is shaping up to be a great event for the basketball players – youth boys, 2 open men’s teams, a top quality women’s side and 2 masters mens’ teams in this sport. This event will let our athletes know where they stand against potential team mates for Maccabiah in 2013.
Ellana: The lawn bowls is also shaping up to be a great event for those competing. With Australia fielding 4 high quality sides – with 3 mens and 1 womens, the competition will be fierce.
Great competition will also be had in ten pin, football (soccer), tennis and golf
Golf is going to be held in president’s cup format, with open female golfer Alizah Kendler, who I believe plays off 1 in womens, so will compete off 10 against the men.
David Weiner: What work needs to be done from here on in?
Ellana: There remain some vacancies in the open and youth soccer teams and the youth boys basketball side, so if anyone is still interested in competing, come on board.
We just need to cross our t’s and dot our I’s and Australian team management needs to choose a flag bearer for the opening ceremony.
David Weiner: What sports/squads are exciting you? [Besides earlier answer], the soccer competition is going to be fantastic, with two South American teams competing [Argentina in Youth and Brazil in Mens].
Ellana: As team manager, what do you have in store for the squad? What are your philosophies/style that you bring to the table?
I just want to see the team compete in style – at a high level, as good sports. This is a great opportunity to host some quality international sides and we are looking to be highly competitive across all sports. I like to lead by example. I see myself as highly competitive, but always fair.
David Weiner: On a personal level, what has the commitment been like this year? What have you taken from it? What have you learnt?
Ellana: On a personal level, this year has been tough. I work part time, have three young kids, help out with MacVic Netball Club committee – there’s lots going on. I have learnt that a job like this cannot be done in isolation and you cannot do it on your own and I am not a person who asks for help easily. Pulling this team together has taken a lot of effort from a lot of people – people who give their time and energy because they love Maccabi and they love sport. I am a genuine believer in Maccabi as an organisation. I work with not for profits professionally, and my commitment to Maccabi remains untainted. As a participant, I have friends for life around the country and around the world. As an athlete I have learnt to win, to lose and always compete fairly. As an administrator and volunteer, I have seen the world from Israel to South America, and hopefully there remains more to see.
