The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City is forming teams for the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sporting competition for teenagers.
Two programs will take place — the JCC Maccabi Games in Israel for 14-17-year-olds and the JCC Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for 13-16-year-olds.
The JCC Maccabi Games in Israel will take place from July 5 to 25, 2023, and will combine eight days of sports competition and activities in Haifa with an additional 12-day guided tour of the country. More than a thousand Jewish teens from North America are expected to participate in the new program for 2023.
The JCC Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale will take place from Aug. 6 to 11, 2023. It will continue the Games’ annual traditions as one of the largest organized sports programs for Jewish teens in the world. The week-long, multi-sport and cultural event will utilize large venues and feature competitions in sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, volleyball, table tennis, swim, tennis, and competition dance.
Team Kansas City is looking for Jewish athletes to form full or partial sports teams or compete in individual sports. Over 1,500 participants from all over North America are expected for the week of competition and array of cultural and social activities.
Local teams are already starting to form for the Games in Florida and Israel. Interested parents and teens who have not participated previously are invited to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Jewish Community Campus. Those interested can contact Bob Hennecke, senior manager of sports and recreation at the Jewish Community Center, at (913) 327-8005 or or go online to thejkc.org/maccabi-games for more information.
