NEWSOld Citizen Dov Katz Co-Chair at Maccabiah Games

Old Citizen and John Carpenter Club Honorary Secretary Dov Katz has recently returned from Israel where he carried out the prestigious role of Co-Chairman of the Court of Discipline at the 2022 Maccabiah Games. The Maccabiah Games, also known as the 'Jewish Olympics', is the second largest sporting event in the world after the Summer Olympic Games and is held every four years. With 10,000 athletes from 80 countries competing in 42 sports categories, the 2022 Games were the largest 'Jewish Olympics' ever.

In addition to his role, Dov also found time to win three medals in table tennis at the Games.

Dov says: "The 2022 Maccabiah Games were spectacular on many levels. In addition to winning my medals, I was delighted to be recognised by the Maccabi World Union for my work as Co-chairman of the Court of Discipline, a role I very much embraced and enjoyed. I had the opportunity of interacting with a number of well-known sports and entertainment lawyers in Israel on various challenging matters and Maccabi World Union are now indicating that I might be offered a longer-term and wider remit. From a business development and network perspective it was exceptional.

"At the opening ceremony, for example, I was seated very close to US President Joe Biden and other notable politicians. In my role, I was invited to a number of gala events where, in addition to the senior leaders from each country delegation, I had the good fortune to meet various dignitaries and fabulously well-connected people. These included members of the Israeli government, ultra net worth individuals and elite sportspeople from around the world.

"After being introduced to the head of the Israel FA and the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, I was privileged to be asked to help them present the medals to the victorious US basketball team and the losing finalists, a match that was shown on Israel TV's 5 channel.

"And, as if all of that wasn't enough, I also appeared on the back cover of Israel's most popular newspaper while Blake Morgan was mentioned on social media posts seen by the huge Maccabiah Games community.

"As for the table tennis, it was an absolute delight to win some medals too and be able to show that I can still play!"

Dov, who competed for the Rest of the World team at the 2022 Maccabiah Games, was named Jewish UK Sportsman of the Year in 2004. He has represented Maccabi GB in table tennis at all levels – as player, manager or chair – at five Maccabiah Games in Israel and seven European Maccabi Games, winning a number of medals and proving instrumental in the success of several international squads. In the UK, he has helped table tennis become one of the most prominent Maccabi sports while he also works with the umbrella Maccabi organisation worldwide.

Dov is a Corporate Partner at Blake Morgan LLP and head of its sports law team, advising professional sportspersons and managers, working alongside agents, accountants, and advisers, on all legal aspects of their careers, investments and personal lives.