18th Maccabiah Games kick off in Israel

JERUSALEM, July 13 (UPI) -- Thousands of Jewish athletes from all over the world have gathered in Israel for the 18th Maccabiah Games.

Considered one of the largest sporting events in the world, delegates from more than 54 countries are set to compete at the Games, which began Sunday and will conclude on July 23.

More than 2,000 athletes from Israel are taking part part. Yedioth Aharonoth said Monday the largest delegation outside Israel is from the United States, which sent 990 athletes. Canada follows with 480 athletes and Australia with 410. Japan and Puerto Rico each sent one athlete, the newspaper said. Non-Jewish athletes also are participating.

Sports include artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, volleyball, soccer, squash, swimming, fencing, golf, triathlon, tennis, track and field, judo, karate and windsurfing.

Israel's Ministry of Immigration and Absorption has offered the Jewish athletes wishing to settle in Israel an incentive aid package worth about $3,500 each, in addition to the standard package offered new immigrants. The ministry also offered to assist athletes in finding jobs and scholarships for university studies.