44 Delegations were represented today in San Francisco at the beautiful JCCSF during our all-day planning and meeting session. Four international delegations will march in during opening ceremonies on Sunday, including; Great Britain, Guatemala, Mexico and Israel.
Austin's 45 athletes represents a tie for the 7th largest delegation attending these San Francisco games. Quite an accomplishment when you consider how far we have come with our Maccabi program since 2004.
We discussed the incredible logistics involved in safely and efficiently housing, feeding, competing and transporting approximately 1,500 athletes over the next week. As mentioned in detail during our first post on our blog, San Francisco is totally committed to putting on the Greenest Maccabi games in history. NO plastic water bottles (that's right - zero) will be distributed or used during the games. All coaches and athletes will be provided with an eco-friendly resusable stainless thermos to re-fill with water and powerade. We hope all our parents that are joining us in SF will also commit to this initiative.
Eco-stations will be placed at all venues and the dining hall to ensure the compostable forks, knives, plates and cups will not go into the landfill.
San Francisco hosts also conducted the very first Kabbalat Shabbat at the end of our all day DH meeting. Songs including L'ha Dodi, Heveinu Shalom and Oseh Shalom were sung by over 75 DH's and SF host community games directors and assistants. Shabbat candles were lit and blessings for wine and challah were sung. It was a very joyful and meaningful experience as we joined together to welcome in Shabbat.
The weather turned very foggy and cool this evening. High 50's is quite a difference from the triple digit heat we've had all month in Austin. Don't forget some long sleeves and some light sweats, sweaters, fleece and do remember to layer your clothing.
We're poised to have a wonderful experience in SF and rest up over the last day prior to travel.
All the best,
Billy O.
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