The New Faces of Team Aus

Maccabi Australia is excited to announce the appointment of two fabulous women to the positions of Head of Delegation. Lauren Ehrlich will head the delegation to the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games taking place in Chile in December 2015-January 2016, whilst Susannah Swiatlo will lead the team to the JCC Games that will head off in August in 2015 to cities yet to be confirmed.

Neither Lauren nor Susannah are strangers to Maccabi.

Lauren is the current Vice President of Maccabi NSW, whilst also sitting on the board of Maccabi Australia. Her achievements as both an athlete and a volunteer are exemplary, and we cannot be more excited that Lauren has elected to take this next step into the position of Head of Delegation. Her commitment to ensure the outcome for the athlete is maximised will undoubtedly ensure that all those that are able to join her team, as management, staff or athletes, will not only be well taken care of, but have the most amazing experience.

Susannah has been a significant part of the backbone of the Maccabi Victoria Basketball Club for many years. This involvement has seen her be instrumental in that club becoming the largest Victorian Club with well over 600 members. She has also been a key part of the roll out of the Maccabi Victoria App, and through this process has grown and developed a greater understanding of the many and varied aspects of Maccabi. Whilst this is her first international tour, Susannah’s experience as VP of the Basketball Club stands her in good stead for success in her new role.

In the coming weeks, Susannah and Lauren will start working towards bringing together a management team that will support them on this journey. We encourage athletes and administrators alike to get involved. Both of these tours will be amazing experiences for those who take part.

The JCC Games are for 13-16 year olds (as at 31 July 2015). Sports on offer that we are likely to compete in include Soccer (Football), Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Track & Field, Table Tennis and Golf. If you are interested in finding out more information, email jcc@maccabi.com.au.

The Pan Ams in Chile are set to be amazing. The facilities there are second to none, and by all accounts, from those who participated in Santiago in 2003, the Chileans are incredible hosts. With thousands of Jewish athletes set to converge on Santiago once more, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Open and Masters sports on offer include Basketball, Futsal, Football (Soccer), Golf, Women’s Field Hockey (including Over 35s hockey 7), Judo, Karate, Rugby, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon.  This is not an extensive list, so if you are interested in finding out more, email Lauren on panams@maccabi.com.au.

Congratulations once again to Susannah and Lauren on their appointments. Maccabi Australia looks forward to working with you both and building strong delegations that will compete in the ‘Green and Gold’ with pride.

Questions regarding this release can be directed to Ellana Aarons, Executive Director Maccabi Australia on 03 9563 5865 or ellana@maccabi.com.au