As Sydney turned on a scorcher the participants of Maccabi
Carnival 2016, albeit reluctantly, hit the sporting fields. The mercury
continued to rise as the kids tried their hands at netball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee,
touch football, football, tee ball and AFL Nines. Sessions were split up
between social and competitive sport as we aimed to accommodate the sporting
needs of each and every participant.
Outdoor sports organiser Michael Puterflam believes that the
changes made to the sporting side of Carnival this year have paid off. “The
introduction of a split between social and competitive sport means that the kids
who really want to play can do so, whilst also providing more relaxed options
for the kids who would rather just chill.”
Puterflam added, “This year our youth leaders have been
assigned to sports in which they already possess a skill and/or knowledge. Each
leader is paired up with a team of kids who they stay with for the entirety of
a sporting session, thus allowing time for bonds between the two to develop. Our
first goal is to get everyone playing sport, and today I feel we achieved that.”
Participants of ultimate Frisbee were taught a variety of
skills essential to a game which was foreign to many. “We learned to throw it
flat and in the right direction through a variety of games which were really
fun,” stated Elya Tal, Chloe Pamamull and Holly Feldman (All VIC), “the coaches
were really great and taught us well enough that we would now be capable of
playing with friends in the future.”
Western Australian Zach Nepper spent a session playing
football – an activity which led to him meeting people from a number of states.
“It was fun to be able to play with new people. I was in a mixed team with
people from New Zealand, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland,
some of whom I have now formed friendships with. It was really good to have a
run around.”
After a seriously long day of sport which was not made any
less tiring by the blistering sun, came a short break before meeting at Rose
Bay Wharf for the first social event of the Carni calendar. The harbour cruise
is a staple of a Sydney carnival and has been a tradition for a number of
years. The scenery through the harbour including the world famous Sydney Opera
House and Harbour Bridge left no one unimpressed and no selfie untaken.
Many participants spoke of the uniqueness of these views to
the Sydney landscape. Western Australia’s Tal Ram and Adam Gootman spoke fondly
of their experience aboard the cruise, “The music was really great and it was
amazing to take in all the Sydney scenery, the vibe was awesome and the
atmosphere super chilled.” NSW’s Eve Lemberg and Paris Spennato remarked at the
“difference to the other discos” as they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the
Sydney harbour.
Whilst some kids offered more thoughts than others, Daniel
Epstein perhaps offered the best all round summary of a great first social
event for 2016. “10/10 and the DJ is unbelievable,” glowed the New South
Welshman. Something I like to think is a fairly accurate review of an evening
which left everyone looking forward to the rest of the packed schedule in store
over the next seven days and nights.
The tunes were provided by local Sydney DJ and Jew Jesse
Bloch, who himself is a former Carnival participant. Jesse is our resident
Carni DJ and will play at a number of the social events at this year’s Carni.
Additionally, an on-board canteen was run by the Maccabi Swimming Club.
A long day comes to an end. Tomorrow should prove not quite
as tiring or draining on participants as they undertake their sports of choice
in entirely indoor venues. If today is anything to go on, it should shape up as
an absolute cracker of a day!
Thanks for reading.
By Jake Rosengarten
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