Send Me to the Pan Am Maccabi Games
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I am thrilled to have been offered a spot on the USA Pan American Maccabi Field Hockey team (open division) in Santiago, Chile in December of 2015!
The Pan American Maccabi games are an international multi-sporting event for athletes of Jewish faith held every 2 years. This year, Santiago, Chile will host over 3,000 athletes in 22 sports (plus dance) and 15 countries (Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, United States, and Venezuela).
The US is sending a team of 600!
I only recently became aware of this opportunity. When I first heard that the team needed players, I also learned that athletes must raise $5,900 for 10+ days which includes air, hotel, food, travel programs, competition and more. I didn’t think it was even a possibility. But the idea plagued me for weeks, until I realized I just had to try.
With the encouragement of others, I’ve decided to go for it – but I only have less than 2 months to fundraise!
I would be grateful and so very honored to go…will you help me?
I have been playing field hockey for a long time. I played in high school in NY, captained the Boston University team in college and then played for over 12 years post college. Several years ago, when my career, husband and kids got in the mix, I switched from field hockey to my local (old ladies) soccer, which does not require as much extended time away. I play soccer as much as my chaotic life will allow, and deeply appreciate the exercise and friendship that comes with it.
Now, at the ripe old age of 47 (!), I’ve returned to field hockey. My friend’s think I’m nuts – and maybe I am – but I simply cannot get this opportunity out of my mind. I have started training, hooked up with some local field hockey games, and am starting to feel the hope shift to reality.
The Pan American Maccabi games have special meaning for me. In 1995, I had the insanely good fortune to play in the games when they were in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They were exhilarating (the video below of the games in Israel gives you a taste of the excitement)! After the (amazing) games ended, I didn’t return to the states with the rest of the team. I spent a year living with a Jewish family and learning Spanish. What’s more, I spent the year playing field hockey with the Argentinian team against whom the US had played in the Pan Am games! It was an incredible year to say the least.
It would be a dream come true to return to South America for so many reasons; to reconnect with my Jewish identity, to meet athletes from all over the Americas (including Cuba!), to use my Spanish that I learned because of the games, to see some dear friends I haven't seen in 15 years, and most especially, forge new friendships bridging culture, tradition and language.
(And oh yeah, prove that older athletes still got game.)
I am awed and honored to be given this opportunity at my age. I doubt I’ll play field hockey in this way again. Your support can make it happen.
Any donations raised above $5,900 will be donated to the Milton Food Pantry in Milton, Massachusetts (in the town where I live, which borders Boston).
With deepest gratitude,
Thank you, Todah Rabah and Muchas Gracias!!!!!!!!!
Deborah Milbauer
Click here for website of Maccabi Pan Am Games
(Top photo: October 2015)
(Middle photo: September 2015)
(Bottom photo: Fall 1988. BU Media Guide)
(Bottom Video: Promotion for Maccabi Games in Israel)
The Pan American Maccabi games are an international multi-sporting event for athletes of Jewish faith held every 2 years. This year, Santiago, Chile will host over 3,000 athletes in 22 sports (plus dance) and 15 countries (Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, United States, and Venezuela).
The US is sending a team of 600!
I only recently became aware of this opportunity. When I first heard that the team needed players, I also learned that athletes must raise $5,900 for 10+ days which includes air, hotel, food, travel programs, competition and more. I didn’t think it was even a possibility. But the idea plagued me for weeks, until I realized I just had to try.
With the encouragement of others, I’ve decided to go for it – but I only have less than 2 months to fundraise!
I would be grateful and so very honored to go…will you help me?
I have been playing field hockey for a long time. I played in high school in NY, captained the Boston University team in college and then played for over 12 years post college. Several years ago, when my career, husband and kids got in the mix, I switched from field hockey to my local (old ladies) soccer, which does not require as much extended time away. I play soccer as much as my chaotic life will allow, and deeply appreciate the exercise and friendship that comes with it.
Now, at the ripe old age of 47 (!), I’ve returned to field hockey. My friend’s think I’m nuts – and maybe I am – but I simply cannot get this opportunity out of my mind. I have started training, hooked up with some local field hockey games, and am starting to feel the hope shift to reality.
The Pan American Maccabi games have special meaning for me. In 1995, I had the insanely good fortune to play in the games when they were in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They were exhilarating (the video below of the games in Israel gives you a taste of the excitement)! After the (amazing) games ended, I didn’t return to the states with the rest of the team. I spent a year living with a Jewish family and learning Spanish. What’s more, I spent the year playing field hockey with the Argentinian team against whom the US had played in the Pan Am games! It was an incredible year to say the least.
It would be a dream come true to return to South America for so many reasons; to reconnect with my Jewish identity, to meet athletes from all over the Americas (including Cuba!), to use my Spanish that I learned because of the games, to see some dear friends I haven't seen in 15 years, and most especially, forge new friendships bridging culture, tradition and language.
(And oh yeah, prove that older athletes still got game.)
I am awed and honored to be given this opportunity at my age. I doubt I’ll play field hockey in this way again. Your support can make it happen.
Any donations raised above $5,900 will be donated to the Milton Food Pantry in Milton, Massachusetts (in the town where I live, which borders Boston).
With deepest gratitude,
Thank you, Todah Rabah and Muchas Gracias!!!!!!!!!
Deborah Milbauer
Click here for website of Maccabi Pan Am Games
(Top photo: October 2015)
(Middle photo: September 2015)
(Bottom photo: Fall 1988. BU Media Guide)
(Bottom Video: Promotion for Maccabi Games in Israel)
Organizer
Deborah Milbauer
Organizer
Milton, MA