Hello friends and family, my name is Tyler Porter and I have earned a coveted spot on Maccabi USA's U18 soccer team following three very competitive tryouts. Participation in this three week event is a large financial commitment, and I would be honored to have the support of family and friends on my journey. The Maccabiah games is the third largest sporting event in the world by athlete participation, behind only the World Cup and the Olympics. Roughly 10,000 Jews gather in Israel every four years to compete in various events at the U16, U18, Open, and Masters (40+) age groups across 40 sports. I first heard about Maccabiah at my temple when I was around eight years old, but thinking it was something way out of my pay grade, I let the dream remain a dream. Then, after a conversation with my dad's cousin, a two time gold medal winner with the Men's Open team in soccer, I decided to attend the tryouts in L.A. Although I attended, I was unable to participate in the tryouts due to a hamstring injury I had sustained two months prior in Washington. Several emails, phone calls, and letters written on my behalf later, I was invited to a supplementary tryout along with 20 other players in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After two training sessions and a full length match, my mother and I flew home, and two weeks later I received the news that of the near 100 players who tried out, I made the roster of 21, all of whom will travel to Israel to compete against the best Jewish athletes from their respective countries. Words cannot describe my excitement for this nearly three week long experience, which consists of a week of training and education about Israel and furthering my Jewish identity, and nearly two weeks of competition, sandwiched by an opening and closing ceremony. It would mean the world to me to represent the United States in this unique opportunity, and I would love to have your support. Love you all.