Two thousand athletes, representing teams from America, Israel and South American nations, competed at the 36th annual Maccabi Games that took place Nov. 16-26 at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach.
“This is one of the most popular programs that began at our JCC in 1982. Many Jews from South America belonged to sports Maccabi clubs when they resided there, so they wanted to create a sports event involving Maccabi teams representing different nations in South America,” said Marleny Rosemberg, Hebraica Youth Movement director.
Athletes, ranging from age four to over 60, competed in the following sports: basketball, bowling, chess, dance competition, dodge ball, flag football, kickball, min-soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field and volleyball.
The Maccabi Games began the athletic competition with an opening ceremony of athletes parading in the colors of their respective nations and ended with a closing ceremony of athletes and teams winning medals for their achievements.
Although many of the athletes competing at the Maccabi Games view sports as recreational, there were elite athletes, who were hoping to win athletic scholarships to universities.
Teen athlete Myles Gilbert won gold medals for his first place finish in the tennis tournament.
“I love tennis and hope that I can earn an athletic scholarship to a university tennis team,” said Gilbert.
Lauren Rub won gold medals for leading her Peru team to excellence in soccer.
“I am the goalie for the Scheck Hillel Community School girls soccer team and am proud that we won the Jewish Soccer Classic,” said Rub.
To learn more about the Maccabi Games and to register for the 2018 Maccabi Games at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, 18900 N.E. 25th Ave. in North Miami Beach, contact Diani Azout at 305-932-4200×119 or go to www.marjcc.org.