From Odesa to Toronto: Alina’s Maccabi Games Experience

Alina from Odesa, Ukraine, at the Maccabi Games.

For 15-year-old Alina from Odesa, Ukraine, the Maccabi Games were about more than competing in volleyball. They were an opportunity to represent her Jewish community from her home country, meet Jewish athletes from around the world and experience the powerful sense of connection that comes from being part of one global Jewish family.

In Alina’s words…

Tell us a little about yourself. What should people in Baltimore know about you?

Hi! I’m Alina, I’m 15 years old and I’m from Odesa, Ukraine. I love trying new things, playing sports and meeting people from different countries.

Alina from Odesa, Ukraine, at the Maccabi Games posing with her volleyball team.

What sport did you compete in at the Maccabi Games, and how did you first get involved?

I competed in volleyball. I only started playing this year, but I enjoyed it from the very beginning and wanted to challenge myself by competing at the Maccabi Games. I also play chess and would have loved to compete in chess too, but it wasn’t offered at the Toronto Games this year.

Growing up in Odesa, what role has the Jewish community played in your life?

The Jewish community has always been a big part of my life. I’ve made great friends there and had so many opportunities that I’m very grateful for.

What has been the most memorable part of the Games?

Definitely meeting so many people from different countries and spending time together. Everyone from Baltimore was so welcoming and kind. I felt comfortable from the first day.

Alina from Odesa, Ukraine, at the Maccabi Games with Andrew Cushnir

You had connections to Baltimore even before the Maccabi Games. Can you tell us a little about that?

Yes! I’ve had connections with the Jewish community in Baltimore through The Associated’s Baltimore-Odesa Partnership. In the past, my mother and I have had the opportunity to share our experiences with the Baltimore community through virtual updates. I also participate in the Active Jewish Teens program in Odesa. More recently, my family participated in the Yummi program, which was a really special experience for us.

Through Yummi, my family shared a photo and one of my grandfather’s recipes for a cookbook that we worked together on with people from Odesa, Ashkelon and Baltimore. It meant a lot to me to see my family and my grandfather’s recipe included in the book, especially because it was published on the first anniversary of his passing.

What are your hopes for the future, both in volleyball and for your community back home?

I hope to keep improving in volleyball and that my community back home continues to grow and give more young people opportunities like this.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about participating in the Maccabi Games in the future?

Just do it! You’ll meet amazing people, make unforgettable memories and have an experience you’ll never forget.

If you had to describe your Maccabi Games experience in just three words, what would they be?

Unforgettable. Inspiring. Special.

From Odesa to Toronto: Alina’s Maccabi Games Experience

From Odesa to Toronto: Alina’s Maccabi Games Experience

Tell us a little about yourself. What should people in Baltimore know about you?

What sport did you compete in at the Maccabi Games, and how did you first get involved?

Growing up in Odesa, what role has the Jewish community played in your life?

What has been the most memorable part of the Games?

You had connections to Baltimore even before the Maccabi Games. Can you tell us a little about that?

What are your hopes for the future, both in volleyball and for your community back home?

What would you say to someone who is thinking about participating in the Maccabi Games in the future?

If you had to describe your Maccabi Games experience in just three words, what would they be?

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