Maccabi USA is currently seeking applications for the swimming team that will represent the United States at the 17th World Maccabiah Games to be held July 11-21, 2005 in Israel.

The United States will send a contingent of more than 600 athletes, 48 of which will be swimmers, in over 35 sports, to the Maccabiah Games.

The open and junior team will each be made up of a dozen men and women with selection to be made in early January. Applicants should submit their application and verifiable times by December 31, 2004 in any format - Short Course Yards, Short Course Meters or Long Course Meters.

The swimming staff will be comprised of Head Coach and Georgia Tech Head Coach Seth Baron, assistant coach Barry Roffer (Three Village Swim Team) Junior Head Coach Aaron Swartzman (YMCA Aquatic Club and Junior assistant coach Glenn Nuefeld of Alabama.

The games will feature an estimated 6,000 athletes from more than 50 countries, pre-camp cultural program and numerous members of the U.S. Team participating in a B'nai Mitzvah

"Our formula remains consistent," says Jeremy Weinstein. "Sports are the attraction. The Land of Israel is the vehicle. Jewish continuity is our primary goal. We are committed to ensuring that all members of the U.S. Team at the 17th Maccabiah come to Israel as Jewish athletes and return as athletic Jews." The Maccabiah Games bring together the best Jewish athletes from around the world to participate in sport and solidarity.

"The leadership of participating countries has pledged to make the 17th Maccabiah the biggest and best ever. Maccabi USA is planning to assemble the largest US Maccabiah team in history. We believe that now, more than ever, Israel needs our support!" Weinstein said.

Applications are currently available online at www.maccabiusa.com and must be accompanied by a $40 application fee.

Maccabiah Games alumni include swimmers Mark Spitz and Lenny Krayzelburg, gymnasts Mitch Gaylord and Kerri Strug, National Basketball Association stars Ernie Grunfeld, Dolph Schayes and Danny Schayes, golfer Bruce Fleisher, tennis pros Brad Gilbert and Dick Savitt, World Cup soccer player Jeff Agoos and Olympic triathlete Joanna Zeiger.

Since 1948, Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel has sought to enrich the lives of Jews in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs.