Philadelphia, PA, April 7, 2008 - Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, based in Philadelphia, PA, is seeking Jewish Swimmers to represent the United States at the 18^th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, July 13 - 23, 2009.  There will be over 9,000 Jewish athletes from over 60 countries participating in the Games. Juniors and Open Athletes will be departing around July 2, 2009 for a mandatory Team USA Pre-Camp.

The USA Team will be bringing Swimmers in the following age divisions:

Open: - All Ages

Juniors: - Male Athletes born between 1993 - 1995, Female Athletes born between 1993 - 1996

Masters: - Athletes 35+

To see a complete listing of sports and levels, visit our website at http://www.maccabiusa.com/.

The selection criteria for Swimming is as follows:

1) There are NO qualifying times.  Everyone interested in competing in the Games must fill out an application to be considered.  The team will be selected from all applications - based upon best times.

2) ALL Swimming applications are required to be submitted NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31, 2008.  The Swim Teams will be announced by February 1, 2009.

The Swimming competition will take place at The Wingate Institute and will compete in a Long Course Meters format.  This competition is sanctioned by FINA and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

The Games are about more than sport, they are an opportunity to connect Jews from around the world with their culture, heritage and the State of Israel.  There is a cultural program that takes place prior to the start date of the Games, where the athletes have the opportunity to tour historical and religious sites and take part in unique cultural experiences, all while bonding with each other.  "The Games provide an opportunity to use sports and Israel as a way to connect kids with their culture and with each other," said Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. "This is a life-changing experience for all who participate in what will be the world's third largest international sporting event, combined with a unique cultural experience."

For more information about the Swim Team, please contact Seth Baron at SwimMaccabiah09@comcast.net. 

Applicants can apply today to show commitment to Israel and Jews everywhere while competing with and against the best Jewish athletes in the world.  To apply online and learn more, visit http://www.maccabiusa.com/. 

About the organization:

Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.  The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.  As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities.  We strive to provide Jewish athletes the world over, the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.  We support programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport. 

"Now more than ever, we need to get involved and committed to building a proud Jewish Identity among our young people in the U.S., Israel and the Diaspora," stated Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. "The Maccabiah (Games) is not just about sports, but about providing for these young people a Jewish awareness of who they are, where they come from and where they are going."

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