The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize eighteen year old Esti Knapp as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The remarkable Ma’ayanot senior is running in the Miami half marathon this coming January with Team Friendship Circle. For the past six years, Esti has spent almost every Sunday volunteering with Friendship Circle and can’t think of a more valuable way to spend her time. Rabbi Jonathan Knapp (Esti’s father) told The JLNJ, “As her parents, we are Esti’s biggest fans. From cheering her on during her years playing in Yavneh Youth League and Ma’ayanot Junior Hockey, we have always enjoyed playing the role of fans. However, as parents, nothing gives us greater nachat than seeing our daughter perform acts of genuine kindness and give unselfishly of herself every Sunday. We draw inspiration from her and are exceedingly proud of her dedication to the children of Friendship Circle.”
Esti, yasher koach on an amazing undertaking. Who are your role models and why?
My role models are the amazing children of Friendship Circle. I think they have so much to teach us about sports and life. For starters, they are accepting of everyone. They aren’t judgmental and always seek to include others in their activities so that no one should feel left out.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memories are the games we play with the children at Friendship Circle. The children always try their best and enjoy the games for the games themselves. Those are two of the most important parts of athletics. Trying your best and enjoying what you are doing.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Volunteer at Friendship Circle, of course. I have been volunteering there almost every Sunday for the past six years. It is literally one of the favorite parts of my week. I feel so passionately about this amazing organization that I am participating in the Miami half marathon this January to help support the wonderful work Friendship Circle does for our community every single week. You can help me support (every donation helps) Friendship Circle by visiting my fundraising page at https://miami.teamfriendship.org/EKnapp.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I really don’t consider myself a star. While I really enjoy playing sports, and even going to professional games from time to time, I am really participating in this run to give back to an organization that does so much.
What is your pre-race routine?
Stretching, stretching and more stretching. And then having a good meal after a long training session.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstars of the Week to [email protected].
