Maccabi teens enjoy a Stamford success

JCC GAMES TEAM Maccabi GB arrived home on Monday morning after enjoying a highly successful week-long tournament in Stamford, Connecticut.

The squad collected a superb total of 39 medals, with the young athletes competing in eight sports, and also took part in the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest for the first time.

A number of the competitors werealso awarded a Midot Medal for sportsmanship, good deeds and embodying the ‘Rachmanus Spirit’.

The youngsters made hundreds of friendships with other young, Jewish people from around the world and in addition took part in a charitable project.

Before flying home from New York, they enjoyed a stop-off in the Big Apple, including an emotional visit to Ground Zero. Janice Aarons, Co-Head of Delegation for Team Maccabi GB, said: “This JCC Maccabi Games was an outstanding experience for all our young athletes and managers.

“There were no medal targets before we arrived in America, but to come home with 39 is incredible and our squad should feel proud of themselves, whether they made the podium or not.

“What was apparent was the sense of community we receive at the JCC Maccabi Games.

“We received a number of awards for sportsmanship and it was obvious as we left Stamford that the squad made a number of friends that they will keep in touch with for many years to come.”

The games are an Olympic-style event held annually for Jewish teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 and began in 1982.