Ami at the Games

I'm off to the Maccabiah Games in Israel. These are the 17th Games of the Maccabiah, which are held every four years, like the Olympics. In fact, the Maccabiah is often called the Jewish Olympics. Organizers estimate about 7,000 athletes from 64 countries will be competing in this year's Games.

The Maccabiah have a few classes of competition: youth, masters, and open. "Open" is where the top athletes in their events compete. These have included Olympic medal-winners such as swimmers Lenny Krayzelburg and Mark Spitz and gymnasts Mitch Gaylord and Kerri Strug. If you want to find out more about the Games or see the schedule of events, check these two websites: www.maccabiusa.com and www.maccabiah17.com.

Why am I so interested? My son, Ami Strutin-Belinoff, will be competing in the Open division of beach volleyball. A bit of background: Ami is a 6'4" 29-year-old psychologist who will be moving from L.A. to San Diego upon returning from the Maccabiah to take a position as school psychologist in the San Diego school system. Oh, and by the way, he plays beach volleyball. A few months ago, he and one of his regular L.A. partners made AAA, just a notch below pro. The past two years he has appeared among the photos of beach volleyball competitions that run in the L.A. Times annual story on the sport. Here's a photo of Ami--not in beach volleyball gear:

I'm also doing this blog because I love Israel and traveling through every part of it. (I'm a writer--as well as a newly graduated librarian--and one of my books is Discovering Natural Israel: www.michalstrutin.com). Plus, one of my closest friends, Talia, lives in Tel Aviv. I travel to Israel fairly regularly.

Of course, I'm going to cover the Maccabiah opening ceremonies--if the complications surrounding getting a ticket were resolved--and all of Ami's events. BTW: his partner is Alon, I think. I'll check to make sure I'm correct on this and provide some more info on him. I do know that he is on full volleyball scholarship to university.

Besides covering the Games, however, I'm going to do my usual meandering around. I can never get enough of visiting the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv: art galleries, cafes, quaint, charming homes, etc. So part of this blog will just be flat-out travelogue on whatever it is I happen to be seeing and enjoying. If you stick with me and have any questions along the way, I'll try to answer them. I'm also going to include photos, hopefully beach volleyball action shots will be just that.

Well, until I land b'Aretz ("in the Land [of Israel]")...l'hitraot ("see you")!

Comments

[ami strutin-belinoff]

hey all,

just finished training at the beach. we played the Mexican's and won, we also trained against the Auzzies and won, but its all different when the games start for real. Last night i had a huge shwarma, its a lamb wraped in pita, so good. All day we eat and train and relax at the pool, we are Melech's (kings)here.

[Connor & Gabby Strutin]

Go Ami!! We are wiggling for you!

Auntie M, sleep again!

[mickey grossman]

Hi michal....how wonderful, thanks for the commentary....and lots of good luck to your son! have a great visit. love, mickey

[mickey grossman]

Hi michal....how wonderful, thanks for the commentary....and lots of good luck to your son! have a great visit. love, mickey

[Barbara Kramer]

Hello Michal,
The news here about the bombing sounds horrible. I can't imagine how you must feel. I hope every-one participating in the the games and all those watching & cheering them will be safe.

I have two sisters who have livedin San Diego since 1957. My youngest sister, Lynn and her husband Jorge recently took an early retirement. They both worked in school systems & are psychologists as is Ami. Lynn has a PhD.
I asked her if I could give you her phone number to pass along to Ami, and this is her reply.
Hi Barb,
Yes, of course it's okay to pass along our information to your friend for Ami. It looks like he will go to work for San Diego City Schools (not where I worked) which is not the best place to work for school psychologists. If he'd like, he can contact us after he's here to learn about other districts to watch for openings. We'd be glad to help.

Take care, Love, Lynn
Her phone number is:
619-427-5696

My other sister, in S.D. is Gail, also a psychologist, who has a private practice.

We wish Ami good luck, and much enjoyment from the games!

Marty and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Hugs, Barbara

[познакомлюсь с армянкой]

yes... thanks for style :))

[christian louboutin]

Your articles and photos are really shock me. The pen can be a weapon! You are a talented writer with a pen, and maybe you will be

a great politician with the power given from citizens.