Athletes
“I had an amazing time at the JCC Maccabi Games. It was an amazing experience to meet teenagers from all over the country and world. I had so much fun and can’t wait until next year!”
“At the end of our last game, both my team and the opposing team all got in one big circle and we danced around and sang. I felt like no matter where you live, we are all one family and will always be there for each other. I thought to myself, this right here is why I participate in the JCC Maccabi Games.”
“Winning the bronze medal in our sport was amazing. I will never forget how great it felt to be on a medal winning team. Not only that, but I scored a goal when I’ve never played offence in my life! My skills improved so much over the summer that I made the Varsity team at my school!”
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Parents
“The best part was seeing the friendships develop. By the time the games were underway the boys seemed inseparable.”
“My son reported that, although playing baseball in the JCC Maccabi Games was lots of fun, he totally enjoyed hanging out at ‘The J’, meeting other kids his age. We are in a city with a small population of Jews, so it was a great experience for him to meet so many Jews in a small amount of time. He hopes to stay in contact with many of them.”
“Our family really enjoyed the whole JCC Maccabi experience! We especially were very proud to house two Canadian girls for the week! It was so much fun to take them places and show them our country! Volunteering each day at the Dance venue where our daughter performed was so much fun! As a parent, I felt very much a part of the Games!!”
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Coaches
My favorite moment was when one team asked if they might have one extra gold medal so they could give it to the boy with the terminal brain tumor. They presented it to him during the BBQ at closing ceremonies while our entire coaching staff was gathered. It was truly a beautiful moment. It meant more to our kids than any medal they received. I have never been so proud. It was a true JCC Maccabi moment.”
“After the baseball team won the Gold Medal, the two opposing teams congratulated each other and met at home plate. They then took a picture with all team members inter-twined as a symbol of unity and sportsmanship.”
“The athletes compete in many ways. The one thing that seems to bring everyone together is the presence of the team from Israel. At the closing ceremony when they stood to leave they got a standing ovation!”
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