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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the JCC Maccabi Games®?
The JCC Maccabi Games® are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America. It is the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. In addition to athletic competition, all athletes participate in a Day of Caring and Sharing that includes social action and service projects to benefit the local community.
Q. Why are the JCC Maccabi Games® being hosted in Westchester in 2009?
Each August over 5,000 Jewish athletes participate in the JCC Maccabi Games in different JCC host cities across the United States and Canada. The JCC of Mid-Westchester was selected as a host for the 2009 Games. To make this a true Westchester event, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester and JCC on the Hudson, were enlisted to be co-hosts.
Q. Why are the JCC Maccabi Games® so important?
- • The JCC Maccabi Games® reinforce Jewish continuity. They unite Jewish teens from around the world in competition and friendship, creating strong positive memories and a strengthened lifelong bond to Judaism. In the era of Facebook, the Games are a major connection vehicle for our teens, particularly in college.
- • The Westchester Games have the added benefit of uniting our community as has never been done before, bringing together all segments of the Westchester Jewish population in a common cause.
- • By being a Host city, the Westchester JCCs are guaranteed a substantial number of participants for future games. This is important because interest in participating far exceeds available slots in other host communities.
Q. Who participates in this event?
Over 1,800 Jewish teen athletes will participate in the Westchester 2009 JCC Maccabi Games. 1,400 athletes will travel with their delegations from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Australia, Great Britain and South America. They will be joined by 400 athletes from all over Westchester County. The families of many of the out of town delegations travel to watch their athletes compete.
Q. How does an athlete become part of the Westchester 2009 JCC Maccabi Games delegation?
Tryouts for the 2009 Team Westchester delegation will be held in late Fall 2008. The team sports are boy’s and girl's basketball, boy’s and girl's soccer, boy's baseball, girl’s volleyball and boy’s in-line hockey. The individual sports are tennis, swimming, bowling, golf, table tennis, and dance. Athletes for the team sports must be between the ages of 13 and 16 as of July 31, 2009 while those for individual sports must be between the ages of 12 and 16, as of July 31, 2009. In addition, athletes must have at least one parent who is Jewish.
Q. Are there opportunities for teens who do not qualify nor which to compete athletically?
Yes! 12 – 16 year olds can serve as Star Reporters for the Daily Maccabi Newsletter during the Games. Those 17 years of age and older, can volunteer for various activities including being an assistant coach. Arts oriented teens can also audition to participate in the Opening Ceremonies.
Q. What is the schedule of Events?
- Sunday, August 16
All day: Athletes arrive
6:00 PM Opening Ceremonies - Monday, August 17
8 AM – 5 PM Athletic Competitions
Evening: Host Family night - Tuesday, August 18
8 AM – 2 PM Athletic Competitions
3 PM – 6 PM Day of Caring and Sharing (DOCAS)
Evening: Evening Activity - Wednesday, August 19
8 AM – 5 PM Athletic Competitions
Evening: Evening Activity - Thursday, August 20
8 AM – 5 PM Athletic Competitions
Evening: Closing Ceremonies
Q. Where do the events take place?
The JCC of Mid-Westchester will be the major hub with the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester an additional hub. Sporting events take place in over 20 different venues throughout Westchester.
Q. Who organizes and runs the Westchester 2009 JCC Maccabi Games?
The success of the Games is dependent on the involvement of volunteers. Over 1,000 volunteers of all ages are needed to work with JCC staff to plan and execute these games. 700 host families are needed to house the 1,400 visiting athletes during the week of the games. Therefore, the JCC Maccabi Team is reaching out to various Jewish organizations to help.
For further info contact:
Steve Weisbrot, Games Director
weisbrots@jccmw.org or 914-472-3300x362
Stan Pluchik, Assistant Games Director
pluchiks@jccmw.org or 914-472-3300 ext 322
