BOCA RATON — Avi Leavitt of Boca Raton was selected to represent the USA Maccabi fencing team at the European Maccabi Games to be held in Vienna, Austria July 5-13.
Maccabi USA strives to provide Jewish athletes all over the world the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.
Leavitt started fencing in 2003 and studied under coach Hector Cruz-Lopez, as part of the Boca Blades Fencing Club. His enthusiasm for the sport continued at the University of Florida where he joined the fencing team in 2006 and competed at the US Club Fencing Championships in 2010 and 2011. UF took first place.
Avi graduated from UF in May with a degree in computer engineering.
Immediately after learning about an opening on the USA Maccabi team, Bruce Capin, fencing coach at the University of Florida, contacted Leavitt to participate.
Leavitt is excited to take part in the games. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended an excellent school with a strong club fencing program that will allow me to apply my training to this new challenge.”
Avi’s father, Dr. Alan Leavitt, director of chiropractic and rehabilitation center, Medamerica, in Deerfield Beach couldn’t be prouder. He says “Avi is a much focused young man who feels strongly about creating connections with Jews around the world.”
Avi, a member of B’nai Torah congregation, was very active in the synagogue’s youth group. Avi’s mother, Elisa, says family and friends have been generous in their support, and that Avi has raised almost half of the $5,000 fundraising requirement. His sister, Arielle, a senior at Florida Atlantic University, is thrilled for her brother.
Leavitt needs community support to help meet the goal of each athlete raising $5,000 to participate in the fencing event. Donations may be made by logging onto MaccabiUSA.com to sponsor an athlete and indicating support for Avi Leavitt. You can visit Avi’s blog at http://AviMaccabi2011.blogspot.com/ for information on how to support him.