JCC Maccabi Games '16

TOR NTO JCCs OF GREATER

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Be a part of TEAM TORONTO at the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games: St. Louis: July 31-August 5 Stamford: August 7-12

For more information about the program or tryouts, please email us at admin@jccchaisports.com or visit us at www.jccmaccabitoronto.com.

ABOUT THE

JCC MACCABI GAMES The JCC Maccabi Games® are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America and is the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. The Maccabi Movement began in 1895 when the first all-Jewish sports club was formed in Constantinople. The first world Maccabiah Games were held in Israel in 1932. Now, this two week competition takes place every four years and has featured many world class Jewish athletes including: Mark Spitz (swimming), Mitch Gaylord (gymnastics), Ernie Grunfeld and Danny Schayes (basketball), Brad Gilbert and Dick Savitt (tennis).

The first North American JCC Maccabi Games® were held in 1982 with 300 athletes. Due to overwhelming interest, Regional Games were added in 1985 to augment the even-year Continental Games. 1997 marked thefirst time that the Games were held simultaneously in six American cities with 4,400 participating athletes.

Since their inception in 1982, the Games have grown from a small pilot project in one host community to an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in multiple sites throughout North America. The JCC Maccabi Games are the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world.

Today, over 6,000 teens, ranging from 13 to 16 years of age, participate in theJCC Maccabi Games® each summer. The Games are co-sponsored by theJewish Community Center Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada and Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel.

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DAVID PELTZ - Chairman of the board

TESTIMONIAL I was most impacted by the opening and the ceremony to honour the memories of the Munich Olympians who lives were taken.

To have one of the family members of a slain wrestler share his memories and feelings was special and deeply touching for me I also believe that this ceremony connects the dots for all the participants and attaches them to their Jewish identities.

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ALEx VoIhAnskI

dELEgAtioN HEAd The JCCs of Greater Toronto sent 90 athletes and over 100 participants to the JCC Maccabi Games in Ft. Lauderdale. Toronto had the second largest delegation, after the hosts, and has become one of the strongest delegations both on and off the field.

The week was highlighted by a tremendous opening ceremony at the BB&T Centre, which is the home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers. This remarkable event saw over 30 Delegations march in, including Israel, Australia, Poland, Mexico and several other Canadian cities. It also featured an emotional tribute to the Munich 11, which included a speech from Fred Berger, brother of slain Israeli athlete David Berger.

The remainder of the week was full of incredible competition, meaningful JCC Cares charitable projects and fun filled evening activities. On the field, court and pool, Toronto was once again a leader, winning 3 team gold medals, two team silvers, one team bronze, an individual bronze medal in tennis and 24 swimming medals, including 8 golds. For the first time, we also featured an Artsfest participant, in the area of “Star Reporter”, which focuses on sports broadcasting.

All in all, our participants and staff displayed nothing but class and dignity, and our Delegation was an exemplary model for all other cities. Toronto and our community have a lot to be proud of.

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JErEmY bLUsTEIn

dELEgAtioN HEAd The JCC Maccabi games are an unforgettable experience for all participants. It is truly something every Jewish person must experience firsthand to fully comprehend and appreciate.

Despite some incredibly hot temperatures, our delegation really came together to achieve success both on and off the field. We could not be more proud of all participants, both coaches and players alike. A special thanks to Bryan Levy and our marketing department for being integral supporters of the program. They dedicate their time to attending events, and putting together these wonderful mementos for all of us to keep and treasure for years to come. Looking forward to seeing everyone back in Stamford this Summer!

GAME

HigHLigHtS - Girls Soccer Gold - Boys 14U Basketball Gold - Girls Basketball Gold - Boys 16U Basketball Silver - 24 Swimming Medals, including 8 Golds - Boys Tennis Bronze

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TESTIMONIALS From Parent Knowlton Kotansky: Thank you coaches and management for such a seamless and great job this year. It was so much fun to be involved and see the kids have such a great time. As parents, we appreciate this so much and are proud to be part of Team Toronto.

From Boys Soccer player Joshua Kalk: “JCC Maccabi showed me that no matter what city you’re traveling to, or which country you visit, there will be other Jewish people there to welcome you with open arms and are happy to welcome you into their own homes.

I’ll never forget this experience.”

From Baseball Coach Nolan Revin: “The experience of coaching a group of Jewish youths in the Maccabi games is unmatchable and hard to put in words. To watch my group of young athletes bond both on and off the field is a reward any coach would relish to find at any level of competition, and certainly forged relationships that will last a lifetime.” from girls Soccer Coach Christina Allegretto: “Memorable! If I had to choose one word to describe my JCC Maccabi experience it would be that one. From the moment the games opened to the moment they were passed on; I had the opportunity to coach a great group of girls as well as interact with representatives from different delegations. To have been able to witness thousands of people embrace while also celebrate the authenticity and culture of the games was inspiring. I am extremely grateful to have been given the chance to be a part of this event and I look forward to the coming years.”

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MEET OUR

COACHES/STAFF

Bottom L-R: Nolan Revin, Shane Urowitz, Alex Voihanski, Davina Lopez, Amy Sherman, Honey Levi, Menashe Levi, Jeremy Blustein, Daniel Shermer, Vlad Kovalevsky, Eric Gelman, Esme Levi, Christina Allegretto, Brad Kalk, Lisa Kalk, Andre Serero 8 | JCC Maccabi Games - Fort Lauderdale 2015

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CHAI SPORTS

SKATE FOR

SAR

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In memory of Sarah Watkin, this one day hockey tournament will honor her life, by raising funds for children charities.

The day will feature divisions for youth and adults, along with great prizes, giveaways, entertainment by Magen Boys, Family Fun and much more.

JoiN uS oN fEBruAry 28tH, 2016 For more information or to register

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JcC MaCcAbI GaMeS Ft. LaUdErDaLe, Fl JcCs oF gReAtEr tOrOnTo

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16U BoYs SoCcEr 16U GiRlS VoLlEyBaLl 16U BoYs BaSkEtAlL SwImMiNg