Way to Go, Team Long Beach!

Way to Go, Team Long Beach!

Natalie Chernik | Jewish Long Beach

Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games® is an Olympic-style sporting competition that brings together Jewish teens from across the globe for five unforgettable days each summer. Beyond athletic excellence, the Games are a celebration of Jewish identity, values, and community. With vibrant opening and closing ceremonies, meaningful community service, cultural events, and countless social opportunities, the experience leaves a lasting impact on every participant.

Thanks in part to the generous donation from Jewish Connection Network, this summer, 27 athletes from Team Long Beach proudly joined 1,000 Jewish teens from across the U.S., Canada, Israel, and Ukraine at the JCC Maccabi Games in Tucson, Arizona. Competing in events including 3v3 basketball, baseball, dance, flag football, golf, tennis, soccer, and swimming, our athletes represented Long Beach with spirit, pride, and rachmanus (good sportsmanship).

We’re thrilled to share that our 17U 3v3 basketball team went undefeated, bringing home the gold medal, while our 17U baseball team earned a well-deserved silver.

In addition to their athletic achievements, our teens took part in JCC Cares—the Games’ community service initiative—giving back to local Tucson organizations such as Youth on Their Own and Ben’s Bells. These meaningful service projects allowed athletes to embody the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—while making a difference in the host community.

Since its inception, the JCC Maccabi Games® have impacted more than 130,000 Jewish youth worldwide, building friendships, strengthening Jewish identity, and inspiring future leaders. This year was no exception, and Team Long Beach was proud to be part of this life-changing experience.

Special thanks to the staff and volunteers who led Team Long Beach to success!

Natalie Chernik - Delegation Head

Howard Weiss - Baseball Coach

Tyler Bermundo - Assistant Baseball Coach

Matthew McFarren - Basketball Coach

Jewish Connections Network Giving Circle whose grants made it affordable for all participants