Michael Puterflam breaks world record
Michael Puterflam is a school-leaver who is definitely making the most of his time – even when he’s playing video games.
The 17-year-old Moriah graduate broke the Guinness World Record on Thursday for the longest consecutive time playing a football video game – 30 hours of FIFA 11.
Easts legend Brad Fittler plays alongside Michael Puterflam l.
The idea sparked when Michael’s father Mark, the Maccabi junior football club president, urged his son to do something more with his time after school.
Mark went one step better – he did something good AND still kept playing video games.
“I thought I really want to do something constructive – maybe a Guinness World Record could be broken,” Michael told Maccabi News.
“I’m trying to get as much money as I can on the Every Day Hero website; try raise as much money as I can for these worthy charities [Sony Foundation, Football United and the Holdsworth Centre].”
Michael didn’t have to go it alone for the 30 hour shift at Westfield’s Bondi Junction, and was supported by a number of high profile sports personalities.
Michael was “really happy” with how it all went and even went up 1-0 against the Australian champion (before losing 3-1) – but like all marathons (he was only allowed 5 minute breaks each hour), there was a bit of wear and tear – thankfully his auntie, a chiropractor, was on hand for a quick rub down!
Michael, who will be part of Maccabi’s inaugural leadership program to Israel (see story below) spoke to Maccabi News from Camp Sababa, where Jewish school leavers spend a few days with kids with disabilities.
“On the camp I can see where the money goes [the Sony Foundation are contributors to the camp],” Michael enthused. “It was really worth doing and the donations are really worth it.”
