4
MACCABI GAMES 2017 AUGUST 6 - 11 ALBANY, NEW YORK INFORMATION PACKET
MACC ABI GAMES2017
AUGUST 6 - 11 ALBANY,
NEW YORK
INFORMATION PACKET
Letter From the Organizers
Greetings,
The JCC Maccabi Games® are an Olympic-style sporting competition held every summer in North America and are one of the largest organized sports programs for Jewish teens in the world. Over 750 Jewish teens, ages 12-16 will descend upon Albany, New York from August 6 - 11 to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Delegates from across the United States, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and other countries will test their skills in more than 12 different sports while experiencing all that Albany has to offer. In addition to athletic events, the week begins with the excitement of Opening Ceremonies and concludes with the passing of the Maccabi torch at week’s end. In between, athletes learn the value of teamwork, integrity, cultural pride and community service, while expanding an appreciation of Jewish values, enriching their Jewish identities and building lifelong friendships.
The athletes visiting host cities stay with local Jewish families. The “home hospitality” is vital to the experience, representing the extended family and value of welcoming the stranger. Every set of Games includes a community service project called JCC Cares. The JCC Cares program allows athletes to participate in a hands-on service project to give back to the host community is a meaningful way. The basic American concept of community service in closely tied to the fundamental Jewish value of Tikun Olam (repairing the world), which obligates us to make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves.
We look forward to your becoming a member of the team that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth to create a lasting legacy.
Josh Kleymeyer and Mike Creemer
About the Games
The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held every summer in North America, and is one of the largest organized sports programs for Jewish teens in the world. Over 750 Jewish teens, ages 12-16 will descend upon Albany, New York from August 6 - 11 to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity. Delegates from across the United States, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and other countries will test their skills in more than 12 different sports while experiencing all that Albany has to offer.
Those thinking about participating should keep in mind that:
To participate in the Games, athletes must be between the ages of 12 and 16 as of July 31 2017.All athletes must be Jewish, which is defined as follows: One of the athlete’s parents is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish, or is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish. In the spirit of the Games, if the parent or child does not believe that they are Jewish on a year round basis, then the child should not participate in the JCC Maccabi Games.
Q: How many and from where are the participants coming from?
We are expecting 600-700 athletes. They will come from about 30 different cities around the United States and world.
Q: Where will my child stay?
Each athlete will stay with a host family in Albany. These households are all Jewish homes, and athletes can request specific homes to meet their needs, such as a Kosher diet and dishes. Teens will also be accommodated for things like pet allergies. Each teen will have their own bed or air mattress. This family will transport the athlete to and from their Maccabi venue in the morning and in the evenings when the games are done for the day. Although most meals are provided at the Maccabi locations, the host families provide breakfast and other
snacks. The host families are interviewed and screened before accepted for this experience and are required to attend an orientation.
Q: What is the Athletic Competition like?
The competitive level of the participants will vary. There are kids that are very athletic and then those that are here for the experience. Some of the sports will have different divisions based on skill levels. Throughout the week, players can expect to play around four games/matches before tournament play begins on Wednesday.
Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three winners. Although it is competitive the JCC Maccabi Games emphasize the Rachmanus Rule, which is you do not show up your opponent. Games will be played at the JCC,
local high schools and colleges and some soccer complexes and golf courses.
Q: What about Security?
All athletes, host families, volunteers, and staff will have to go through the credential process and wear credentials during the week. There will be check in points at all venues. All Maccabi Venues will have any of the following patrolling the areas: Albany Police Officers or local law enforcement.
Q: How much does it cost to participate as an athlete?
The cost to participate includes transportation, food, activities, delegation and team uniforms, and JCCA fees.
J Members: $1,000Public: $1,200
FAQ’s
Additional info
Week at a Glance*Sunday: Travel Day, meet host family, Opening Ceremonies
Monday: First day of games, evening activity
Tuesday: second day of games, evening activity or Host Family Night
Wednesday: Tournament games begin, service project activity, evening activity or Host Family Night
Thursday: Medal rounds of the tournament, Closing ceremonies, final party
Friday: Travel Day*subject to change
March 1: $300 deposit due
April 4, 6 - 7pm: Participant meet and greet - Room 123
April 9: Great Human Race 5k
April 16: All registration paperwork due
May 7, 1 - 3pm: Swag planning / bonfire - behind the J
June 11: All medical forms due
July 1: All payments due
August 3, 5:30 - 7:30pm: Athlete send off dinner - Room 124
August 6: Depart for games
Basketball - Boys
Basketball - Girls
Baseball - Boys
Soccer - Boys
Soccer - Girls
Hockey
Dance
Swimming
Golf
Tennis
Table Tennis
Star Reporter
Important Dates
Events offered
LEARN MORE AT MAYERSONJCC.ORG OR CONTACT: Josh Kleymeyer, 513.761.7500 x1269, or [email protected] Mike Creemer, 513.761.7500 x1214, or [email protected]
