THE ABC’S OF YOUR TRIP TO CHILE … or everything you need to know!

APPAREL - All of Team USA will receive an Apparel Box prior to your international departure. Instructions will be included with the apparel package and must be followed strictly. All official USA apparel must be brought by you to Chile and worn at designated official events. Competitive uniforms may be provided to you by your sports chair or coach (and may be included in the general apparel box indicating what the items are for). The apparel will be shipped via UPS and delivered the beginning of December to the address you confirmed with Maccabi USA. You will receive your apparel ONLY if all your forms and payments are completed!

ASTRONOMY - Chile is considered an astronomy paradise- it is an excellent spot for observatories since Chile has more than 300 clear nights a year and has over 40% of the world’s telescopes.

ATACAMA DESERT - Driest non-polar desert that covers 600 miles of land on the Pacific Coast. It is said that the Atacama Desert did not receive rain for 40 years and the terrain varies depending on location which is home to a multitude of floral and animal species. It is used for astronomy, sports and tourism.

Valley of the Moon Chuquicamata, copper mine

ALMA, Chajnantor Laguna Verde Chiguayante, flowering desert

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CALENDAR- A few dates to remember: December 26 - Team USA departure December 27 - Arrival in Santiago December 28 - Opening Ceremony at San Carlos de Apoquindo Stadium January 4 - Departure from Santiago January 5 - Arrival in USA

CURRENCY - Chile uses the Chilean Peso. 1 Chilean Peso (CLP) = .0014 US Dollar (USD) or 1 US Dollar (USD) = 699 Chilean Peso as of November 1, 2015. Please notify your Debit/Credit card companies that you will be traveling to Chile and may have some charges on your card- you should know all fees in advance. We advise against using travelers checks as the best currency exchange is with ATM’s.

DRESS – It is summer in Chile and the weather will be warm! Make sure to bring light clothing to wear when you are not competing and during travel. Good items to take are: comfortable shoes, a hat, a bathing suit, shorts and shirts, SUNSCREEN, and one or two nice but casual outfits for special evenings (like Shabbat). Men should also remember to bring a Kippah. Please refer to our suggested packing list enclosed in this packet.

EARTHQUAKES - Chile is known to have occasional earthquakes and as a result the buildings are built to endure. We will conduct special drills to help keep you safe.

ELECTRICITY – 220 V and 50 Hz. Please note that you may need a voltage converter if your appliances do not run on the V and Hz listed to prevent burnout. 2 prong horizontal outlet that is used in Chile and you will need a converter if you are bringing electric appliances. Please see picture below.

Voltage converter Plug adapter

EIM - Estadio Israelita Maccabi is a home of the Jewish community in Santiago. This amazing facility will serve as the cultural, recreational and transportation hub for the Games throughout the week. Beach Volleyball, Futsal, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Soccer (some), Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball will all be played here. In addition to athletic facilities, the EIM features a swimming pool, locker rooms and dining hall. Kosher meals (lunch and dinner) will be provided for team members each day. A series of cultural and recreational events will be held here, including a welcoming party, Dance exposition and New Years Eve Party!

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FACTS – Chile is located in the southwestern part of South American. It is 108 miles wide and 2,671 miles long making it the longest country in the world. Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Area: total: 756,102 sq km, land: 743,812 sq km, water: 12,290 sq km Population: 17,508,260 Capital city: Santiago Languages: Spanish (99.5% of population), English, indigenous languages Religion: Roman Catholic (66.7%), Evangelical or Protestant, Jehovah's Witnesses

FAMOUS Chilean Athletes include: Anita Lizana – Tennis player who won 1937 U.S. Open champion and was the first Hispanic person to be ranked World #1 in tennis Érika Olivera – Runner who won gold medal in women's marathon at the 1999 Pan American Games Marcelo Ríos – First Latin American man to become World #1 Tennis player Leonel Sánchez – Soccer player who was top scorer in 1962 World Cup José Santos – Jockey who won U.S .Triple Crown

FLIGHTS- There are nine different international flights booked for Team USA to depart on from EWR, JFK, LAX, or MIA. You should have received your specific flight information already from the Maccabi USA office. If you are unsure which flight you are on, please contact the Maccabi USA office immediately. It is very important that when you arrive to EWR, JFK, LAX, or MIA on December 26th that you check in with a staff member so we know you are present. Do not forget to fill out the domestic travel form enclosed so we know how you will be arriving to your international departure city in case there is inclement weather. We will be emailing you the name and numbers for a Gil Travel airport representative and a Maccabi USA Flight Captain that you can get in touch with on December 26th if you have any issues or questions.

If you have been previously approved to make your own international flight arrangements, please let the Maccabi USA office know of your flight schedule ASAP by emailing your flight details to [email protected]. Please note that Maccabi USA is not responsible for your transportation to/from the airport in Santiago if you are making your own flight arrangements.

For flights with a connection: Be sure to stay together as a group on your layover stops in the airport. Please make sure you stick together and do not explore elsewhere. You must let a staff member know where you are at all times- you have limited time for your layovers.

HOTELS –

Juniors and Youth will be staying at the: Atton Vitacura Avenida Vitacura 3201 Santiago, Vitacura, Chile +56 2 2944 7800

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Open and Masters will be staying at the: Intercontinental Santiago Av Vitacura 2885 Las Condes, Santiago, Chile +56 2 2394 2000

Masters Athletes (upgraded) and USA Supporters will be staying at the Grand Hyatt Santiago Kennedy Avenue 4601 Region Metropolitana, Chile +56 2 2950 1234

HYDRATION - Long flights cause the body to dehydrate and this is a very long flight. Drink lots of water. Please hydrate all day, every day.

IDENTIFICATION badges will be given to each Team USA member and USA Supporter. This must be worn at all Maccabi functions for security reasons. If you misplace your ID badge in Chile, notify your coach or manager immediately. The Organizers will charge a fee to replace lost ID's.

INTERNET ACCESS will be available throughout the trip at various locations. Internet may be an additional fee in your hotel room.

JEWS from all over the world are going to be gathering for the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games. The participating countries include: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Great Britain, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela.

KEEP CAMERAS and extra charged batteries on hand - you definitely want lots of photos of this special experience. Please be sure to email your photos to Maccabi USA after your trip so we can publicize them for you.

LAUNDRY- Laundry will be available for express service at your hotel for an extra fee. There are also local places outside of the hotel. We encourage you to bring small travel laundry detergent to wash items in your hotel room.

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LLULLAILLACO: Largest volcano among 2,000 active volcanoes on the Chilean Andes

LUGGAGE - Clearly mark your luggage with all contact information inside and outside of your bag with your name, address, phone number and destination address. You will also receive a color-coded luggage tag to put on your bag if you are traveling on the USA Team flight. You must use this tag as it identifies which hotel you are staying at.

Be sure to pack your passport and any prescription medicine in your carry-on bag in the original labeled bottle. You should also have copies of your passport both in your checked luggage and carry-on piece. Do not accept packages from strangers.

Any article which may be considered a weapon such as knives, scissors, certain size liquids, etc., are not allowed to be carried in hand luggage and must be packed in the checked luggage. If found by security personnel during the inspection, the items will be confiscated and not returned. Subject to change. Go to your respective airline website for the most up-to-date information.

Please see below luggage requirements. Please note that your domestic flight may have different luggage restrictions than your international flight above. You will be charged fees for overweight or additional luggage.

American Airlines: 2 bags allowed per person- Free Max Weight: 23KG/50LBS Max Size: 158CM/62IN

LAN luggage policies: 2 bag allowed per person- Free Max Weight: 23KG/50LBS Max Size: 158CM/62IN

United luggage policies. 2 bag allowed per person- Free Max Weight: 23KG/50LBS Max Size: 158CM/62IN

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MANAGEMENT- Team USA Managers will be available to help with anything you need while in Chile. Do not hesitate to ask! Your management team in Santiago: Jeff Schulman, Team USA Manager Cathy Backal Shane Carr Steven Gittleman Steven Graber Paige Jones DeYoung Mitchell Kurtz Leon Lifschutz Yogev Matok Derek Sheldon Casey Skvorc

MEALS - Breakfast will be served each day at the Team hotels. Kosher Lunch and Dinner will be served for team members each day at the EIM dining room.

MOAI- monumental statues that are found on Easter Island

OPENING CEREMONY: Will be held on December 28th at 8:00 PM at the Central Stadium of San Carlos de Apoquindo's campus of Universidad Catolica Sports Club.

ORIENTATION – Our Team orientation will be held when you arrive in Santiago on Sunday, December 26th at the EIM at 6:00 PM.

PASSPORTS – Do not forget your passport for your international flight. You will not be able to enter Chile without this. It is suggested to have additional photocopies of your passport with you in your packed luggage.

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PENGUINS- Chile is home to four species of penguins found along the Pacific Coast and remote islands.

PHILADELPHIA - City of Brotherly Love - Where the offices for Maccabi USA are located. Call us at 215-561-6900 if you have any questions about the Games.

QUESTIONS - We will have a number of staff people who will be available to answer your questions throughout the trip both in Santiago and at the Maccabi USA Office in Philadelphia.

RESULTS will be posted as quickly as possible on www.maccabiusa.com as the competitions are being held. Make sure to also check for all venue details, regulations, and information.

SANTIAGO - is the host for the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games! Three Thousand Jewish athletes from more than 22 countries compete against each other in 15 sports disciplines.

SCHEDULE- A preliminary competition schedule is available for download in the Participant Center. Please note that it is subject to change. For security reasons, please do not share it in advance on social media.

SECURITY - Santiago is generally known as a safe city. A security plan is in place for the Games. We need your help, cooperation and common sense to keep everyone safe.

SHABBAT will be observed on the evening of January 1 and January 2. Services will be held Friday night at the EIM. Orthodox services will be held Friday night and Saturday at the Intercontinental Hotel. 7

SPANISH is the official nationwide language of Chile. Below are some phrases you might need in Chile: Gracias Thanks Da nada You’re welcome Buenas tardes Good afternoon ¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the toilet? Yo no hablo español I don’t speak Spanish

SPORTS - The USA will be represented in the following sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Chess, Field Hockey, Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball - nearly 400 athletes/staff strong!!

TIME difference between the United States and Santiago, Chile is 2 hours ahead of EST. For Example:

New York, NY, USA Sunday, December 27, 2015 at 12 PM (EST) Santiago, Chile Sunday, December 27, 2015 2 PM (CEST)

Nearly 400 UNITED STATES Jewish athletes will vie against their counterparts from around the world.

TRAINING AND TRANSPORTATION (FOR ATHLETES) - Athletes will have the opportunity to train depending on their sport during the first few days of our stay in Santiago. No athlete is permitted to rent a car. The organizers will provide transportation to and from all the competitions and events.

VALPARAISO: Chilean city along the Pacific Coast that set the world record for largest amount of fireworks exploded during the Pyrotechnic Festival in 2007.

VALUABLES - Leave your jewelry at home or put them in the hotel safe. We do not suggest bringing a laptop computer as it may get lost or stolen. 8

VENUES – EIM (Estadio Israelita Maccabi): Beach Volleyball, Futsal, Judo, Gymnastics, Karate, Soccer (some), Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, SSCC Manquehue: Basketball Old Grangonian Club: Soccer, Rugby, Field Hockey Club de Golf La Dehesa: Golf, Chess Estadio Nacional: Swimming

WEATHER is variable and the average temperatures in the summer are fairly high. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water - tap water is potable and bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

ZZZ’s…Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep before, during, and after the trip so you stay healthy and fresh!!!

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