What’s Hot in Southern California :: The JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest
August 7, 2013/
This past week over 2350 Jewish youth have come to Orange County from around the nation, and even world with teams coming from Israel, Mexico, Canada, Great Britian to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest from August 4-9th. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg, “Survivor: Africa” champion Ethan Zohn, Dog Gottlieb of ESPN, and Jay Fiedler of Miami Dolphins all participated and honed their skills in the Maccabi Games when they were younger. The games were established in 1982 in the United States to provide Jewish teens with a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship, while strengthing bonds to Jewish heritage, community, and Israel. This year, we saw 62 teams come to Orange County to compete, perform, and play. Athletes compete in one of 15 team and individual sports, from track, basketball and volleyball to swimming, table tennis and lacrosse and the program ends with a final arts showcase which include a rock band, dance, visual arts, musical theater, star reporter, vocal music, acting/improv, and jazz music. (Source: PR JCC of Orange County).
There are over 1900 parents and coaches and many volunteers who have worked hard all year to plan this busy week of events off and on the field. One of my daughter’s classmates mom, Jamie Evans, is a volunteer for this years event and spoke to me about what it means to help with the games for her and her family. Her family is one of 800 host families that welcome in participants into their homes to stay at their homes during the week.
Jamie’s boys enjoying the opening ceremony for the JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest.
The JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest is an amazing event where thousands of Jewish teens meet, compete and have a great time creating memories that will last a lifetime. It is much more than just a week of sports and the arts. Teen athletes/artists participate throughout the week in games/competitions but are also but required to participate in “JCC Cares,” a program introduced to the JCC Maccabi Games in 1977, which engages participants in hands-on community service projects.
I have been volunteering each day this week as a Project Leader and Facilitator in the “JCC Cares” Program and seen incredibly inspiring interactions between young Jewish athletes/artists and children from the OC community who have been invited from Ability First, the Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc., Project Access, Illuniation Foundation, and Kidworks. During these interactions, teen athletes/artists have engaged in art projects, carnivals, “wacky Olympics,” face-painting, and a variety of other fun activities.
Throughout this week, being a part of the Maccabi Games experience has been an incredibly enriching experience that has given our family, and most importantly our two young sons, an opportunity to build lifelong memories.
The energy and vibe throughout the JCC and Orange County this week has been truly amazing. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to volunteer my time with the Maccabi experience this week and to help provide teen athletes with a unique and unforgettable experience. It is one that will not soon be forgotten!
There are games and events happening until August 9th so go to the JCC Website to see what is on the schedule this week:www.jccoc.org and check out https://ocmaccabi.com/ for updated scores and news!
References:
Interview with JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Jamie Evans. August 6, 2013
Melissa Northway, M.S. is a mom, founder of dandelion moms, and a children’s book author. Her award-winning book Penelope the Purple Pirate was inspired by her little tomboy. Penelope is a modern-day Pippi Longstocking who teaches girls and boys the importance of having fun while at the same time teaching them to be kind and respectful of others and their differences. Dandelion moms was created for moms to share their stories and to inspire and be inspired! You can reach Melissa at: info@dandelionmoms.com and follow her @melissanorthway and @dandelionmoms. Check out her author web site at: www.melissanorthway.com, as she hands out loads of goodies from the treasure chest.
One Comment
Nancy Kaye
Maccabi games have been fabulous! I’ve met some wonderful young women and men. The Opening Ceremony was thrilling!