FROM AUGUST 2ND TO 7TH, DSN PROUDLY BROUGHT 30 YOUNG ATHLETES ON FOUR TEAMS TO KANSAS CITY FOR THE MACCABI GAMES. OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ‘JEWISH OLYMPICS,’ THE GAMES BRING TOGETHER TEEN ATHLETES FROM COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.
Under the leadership of Sports Director Jon Entel, DSN competed in four divisions, boys 5-on-5 basketball for 16 to 17 year-olds, boys 5-on-5 basketball for 14 to 15 year-olds (gold medalists), boys 5-on-5 flag football for 16 to 17 year-olds (gold medalists), and boys 3-on-3 basketball for 14 to 15 year-olds (gold medalists). Even more remarkably, all three gold medal teams went undefeated, posting a combined record of 26-0. With three gold medal finishes, DSN had an incredible showing and demonstrated the talent, dedication and sportsmanship of our community.
But the Maccabi Games are about so much more than what happens on the scoreboard. Now participating for the third year, DSN’s involvement in the Maccabi Games has become another next-level opportunity for our community’s athletes. DSN’s teams were led by an incredible coaching staff, Brian Jensen, Myles Owens, Jack Ashkenazi, Ezra Sultan, Griffin Thomas and Jon Entel. Their time, energy and commitment helped create an experience that went beyond practices and games. They were mentors, role models and teammates throughout the entire journey.
For Entel, one of the most meaningful moments of the trip had nothing to do with winning a championship. His highlight of the week was seeing DSN player Sam Nasar honored with a Midot Award for Jewish values. Sam volunteered at the Maccabi Games to launch a wonderful program of activities. His initiative, leadership and engagement helped make the program a success. His willingness to step forward and contribute was exactly the kind of Jewish leadership and character that the Maccabi experience is designed to celebrate.
DSN’s athletes competed exceptionally well. But they also represented DSN and the larger Jersey Shore community. They built relationships, experienced Jewish community on a national and international scale and discovered new opportunities to lead.
As Entel reflected, “Running leagues and travel teams at DSN for 10 years has been incredible, but what Maccabi offers is a new level of competition where I get to showcase our talented community and compete with the best of the best from all over. Sharing those moments with our kids means the world to me.” DSN Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Programs like Maccabi reflect exactly what we want for our young athletes, opportunities to compete at a high level, deepen their Jewish identity and represent our community with confidence. I am proud that DSN continues to invest in experiences like this, and I am grateful to Jon, our coaches and our families for helping turn that vision into an unforgettable experience for our athletes.”
