The document provides information about the JCC Maccabi Games that took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2015. It discusses the Toronto delegation's success in winning several gold medals in sports like soccer, basketball, and swimming. It includes testimonials from parents, players, and coaches praising the experience. It also previews an upcoming hockey tournament called "Skate for Sar-H" in memory of Sarah Watkin to raise funds for children's charities.

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TOR NTO
JCCs OF GREATER

2. Be a part of TEAM TORONTO
St. Louis: July 31-August 5
Stamford: August 7-12
at the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games:
For more information about the program or tryouts,
please email us at admin@jccchaisports.com
or visit us at www.jccmaccabitoronto.com.

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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.

4. | JCC Maccabi Games - Fort Lauderdale 20154
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

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SKATE FOR
SAR H
SKATE FOR
SAR H
CHAI
SPORTS
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.
For more information or to register
SKATEFS.COM
JoiN uS oN fEBruAry 28tH, 2016

24. JcC MaCcAbI GaMeS
Ft. LaUdErDaLe, Fl
2015 SuMmEr ToUr
14U BoYs BaSkEtBaLl
16U GiRlS SoCcEr
16U BoYs BaSeBaLl
TeNnIs
16U BoYs SoCcEr
16U GiRlS VoLlEyBaLl
16U BoYs BaSkEtAlL
SwImMiNg
JcCs oF gReAtEr tOrOnTo