Two JCC Staff Chosen to Represent
the USA In World Maccabiah Games

Every four years, Jewish athletes the world over gather in Israel to compete in what has widely become known as the "Jewish Olympics" - the World Maccabiah Games.

This summer, the 18th ("Chai") Maccabiah Games, scheduled for July 12-23, will be the world's third largest international athletic competition. More than 9,000 of the world's best Jewish athletes from six continents and 60 countries will compete at the Games.

The JCC is extremely proud to be affiliated with two of this year's Maccabi USA athletes - JCC Assistant Executive Director Tim Kauffman of Gahanna, who will be competing in the Masters Men's Softball games, and JCC Tennis Pro Pam Lippy of New Albany, who will be competing on the Master's Womens 45+ Tennis team.

It will be the first time that either Lippy or Kauffman have been to Israel. "I want to see it all," said Kauffman. "Obviously, some of the more popular tourist attractions like the Wailing Wall and the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem will be on my itinerary, but many of my veteran teammates have taken it upon themselves to make sure I have a memorable experience."

They will be among the 1,005 members of the Maccabi USA team from 41 states competing in Baseball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cycling, Fencing, Field Hockey, Futsal (indoor soccer), Golf, Gymnastics, Half Marathon, Judo, Karate, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, TaeKwonDo, Ten-Pin Bowling, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Wrestling.

Kauffman is one of 45 athletes to compete in the Masters Men's, Open Men's and Open Women's Softball teams.

"This Maccabiah will be the first set of Games where there will be a Masters Men's Softball Division and all members of the team are excited about the prospects for this highly competitive division," said Fred Cohen, Overall Baseball and Softball co-chair. "It took a few years to get this division started, but overall, all the participating countries are excited to be able to participate, and I know as an athlete I am looking forward to working with my team to bring the gold medal back to the USA."

Kauffman, who is a member of the JCC's Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, husband, and father of two sons, was a four-year starter on The Ohio State University's baseball team from 1975 to 1978. He left OSU as the All-Time Career Leader in hits, doubles, triples, runs scored and walks.

During his freshman and senior years, he won the prestigious Potterunmaker Award as the team's most productive offensive player and is still one of only a handful of two-time award winners.

After leaving college, Kauffman began playing fast-pitch softball in Columbus and around the Midwest. He quickly became one of the most feared hitters in the country. He led his teams to a number of national championships and was named to several All-American teams.

"As a National Champion and All-American selection in Fastpitch Softball, Tim brings a wealth of experience to our team," said Ken Schwartz, chairman and coach of the Maccabia Masters Softball team. "It's been said that 'We take Jews who are Athletic to the Maccabiah and send home Athletic Jews.' Tim will bring home some very special experiences and a lifetime of memories to share with his immediate family and his family at the JCC in Columbus. Culturally, educationally and athletically, our goal is to 'Bring home the Gold'."

Lippy, the JCC's tennis pro and Mighty Mite Tennis instructor, is a Digital Media consultant, USPTA Tennis Professional, Half-Marathoner, Triathalete, wife and mother of four children. Lippy first played singles for four years at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida where she earned "All American" honors her last two years. Two years ago, she was the first female tennis player at her university to be inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame.

"After many disciplined tennis practices, grueling runs and intense hours in the gym, I am so excited about my first trip to Israel and the privilege to be representing the United States," she said. "Imagine the thrill of marching into a stadium along with thousands of Jewish athletes from around the world. What an amazing way to visit Israel. I can hardly wait!"

Jeffrey Markowitz, chairman of the Maccabi USA Masters Tennis Team, said he first met Lippy at the National Tournament in Florida. "I was impressed with her both on and off the court. Not only is she an outstanding athlete, but a terrific person. Her spirit is representative of what the Maccabiah Games are all about, building a connection among Jews worldwide," he said.

"While we hope to, and expect to, bring home numerous medals, of greater significance will be the lasting memories and friendships that are formed. Equally important is the strong connection to Israel that will be formed - and that is priceless," said Markowitz. "The Columbus Jewish Community will be enhanced by Pam's participation as a Maccabiah athlete when she returns with so many special experiences to share."

The concept of the Maccabiah Games was the brainchild of 15-year-old Russian-born Yosef Yekutieli. The original Maccabiah was held March 28 to April 6, 1932. The Games today are organized by an International Maccabiah Committee and are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and World Federation of Sports. The Maccabiah Games, ranking among the five largest sports gatherings in the world (in number of participants), are considered Regional Games by the International Olympic Committee.

"Sports is the hook that attracts Jewish athletes to our program," said Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. "By bringing such a large Team and hundreds of additional supporters to the Maccabiah, we are showing our love and support for the State of Israel. The Maccabiah is not just about sports, but about providing athletes an awareness of their Jewish heritage - of who they are, where they come from and where they are going."

Mark Spitz, who won seven gold medals in swimming in the 1972 Olympics also competed in the World Maccabiah Games. "I will never forget the opportunity [Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel] gave me through the Maccabiah Games to participate in a world-class event early in my career," he said. "And the excitement of meeting Jewish athletes from around the world and sharing with them the universal spirit of sports competition was a matchless experience."

Each Masters athlete is being asked to raise funds to help underfunded qualified participants worldwide. To support both Kauffman, Lippy, and the World Maccabiah Games, you may make a credit card donation, by calling (215) 561-6900 or go to www.justgive.org.

"Maccabi USA and our entire Maccabi family relies on you for your support for our mission of perpetuating and preserving the American Jewish community by encouraging Jewish pride, strengthening Jewish bonds and by creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish identity," said Lippy. "Your gift also supports programs in Israel such as the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport."