Team Virginia Beach: Ethan Jenkins, Jack Jenkins, Sam Levin, Alayah Stupar, Nate Simon, Tamir Zach, and Ryan Bailey.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the JCC Maccabi Games returned for its 40th year and Team Virginia Beach descended on San Diego, La Jolla, and Del Mar, California, for five days of competition, building friendships, and continuing to build Jewish identity.
Tidewater has a long history of Maccabi participation—just check out the banners in the Jaffe Gym at the Simon Family JCC!
The 2022 Games included 1,600 teen athletes from 57 delegations and 67 JCC’s across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Israel, as well as hundreds more host families, delegation heads, coaches, spectators, and volunteers.
Team Virginia Beach’s athletes, led by Tom Edwards, Simon Family JCC’s athletics director, competed throughout the week in flag football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and ice hockey (among the sports offered) at venues throughout San Diego County. In the evening they participated in host family nights and social opportunities, include visiting SeaWorld, a San Diego Padres baseball game, and an INCREDIBLE closing party at the Lawrence Family JCC. Watching them march into the Opening Ceremonies at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, followed by the national anthems of the US, Canada, and Israel and the torch lighting was unforgettable.
There was so much more, including the launch of the JCC Maccabi Access Games to include teens with disabilities in the experience through a new inclusion model. Next year in Israel and Fort Lauderdale!
Before next year, however, the next issue of Jewish News will feature a full recap of the JCC Maccabi Games along with plenty of photos.
–Betty Ann Levin