With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America's Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
DAVIE, Fla., September 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access, hosted by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have concluded with resounding success and heartfelt gratitude to the community that made it all possible. This week-long celebration of sports, camaraderie, and inclusivity has left a lasting impact, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our generous supporters.
Close to 2,000 Jewish teen athletes aged 12-16, representing communities worldwide, gathered in Fort Lauderdale to experience the joy of sports and the power of inclusion. The Games, presented by the JCC Association of North America, offered an unforgettable Olympic-style experience filled with competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to create Jewish connections that will last a lifetime.
One of the highlights of this year's event was the introduction of JCC Maccabi Access, brought to you by UKG and presented by the Posnack Family Foundation. This program is designed to provide athletes aged 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities an inclusive Maccabi experience. This three-day program, held in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®, exemplified the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, reflected on the Games, stating, "We were overjoyed to welcome Jewish athletes from all corners of the world to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our JCC Maccabi Team led by our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman. Their unwavering commitment contributed significantly to establishing an atmosphere that nurtured camaraderie, inclusiveness, and the genuine essence of the Games."
The Games' success was significantly bolstered by the support of honorary co-chairs Scott Scherr, founder of Ultimate Software, and Scot Hunter, co-founder of Emerald Multi-Family Office. Their encouragement to business owners and the backing of corporate and community partners played a pivotal role in the event's success.
- Exclusive Automotive Sponsor: Craig Zinn Automotive Group
- Official Signature Sponsor Jewish Federation of Broward County
- Official Hospitality Sponsor: Visit Lauderdale
- Access Games Title Sponsor: UKG
- Access Games Presenting Sponsor: Posnack Family Foundation
- Official Sports Complex Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University
- Official Tennis Sponsor: Scherr Family Foundation
- Official Children's Hospital Partner: Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Supporting Corporate Sponsors:
- Emerald Multi-Family Office
- Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
- Official Torch Sponsor: Duty-Free America
- Kent Security
- Official Beverage Sponsor: Coca-Cola
- The Meltzer Group
- Official Transportation Sponsor: Comcast
- Official Media Partner: Clear Channel Outdoor
- Official Produce Sponsor: ProEx International
- Official Pun, Pass, and Kick Sponsor: Miami Dolphins
- Official Basketball Sponsor: Miami HEAT
- Official Baseball Sponsor: Miami Marlins
- Official Cleaning Company Sponsor: AK Building Services
- Official Swimming Sponsor: Blavatnik Family Foundation
- Barry and Judy Silverman Foundation
- Northland Investments
- Official V-VIP Dinner Sponsor: Aroma Market & Catering
- Custom Outfitters LLC
- FP&L
- Greenspoon Marder
- Manne Foundation for Homeless Prevention
- Official Mitzvah Sponsor: Children's Services Council of Broward County
The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access were not just about competition; they were also about giving back to the community. The JCC Cares Mitzvah Projects showcased the spirit of service, assembling over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food baskets for Goodman JFS Seniors and Holocaust Survivors, donating over 2,500 pairs of new sneakers to students, in partnership with Children's Services Council of Broward County, and repurposing 340 medals for the "We Finish Together" organization, spreading kindness to ill children and adults in hospitals.
Among the highlights:
- Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the Opening Ceremony at FLA Live Arena.
- 1,620 visiting athletes.
- 21 Access participants.
- 375 Coaches & Chaperones.
- 850 Community Volunteers.
- 600 Host Families.
- 215 Local Athletes & Access participants representing Team Fort Lauderdale.
- 64 delegations, including international representation from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and 53 cities throughout the USA.
- 100 Local businesses and individuals generously supporting.
- 110,000 bottles of Dasani water, Powerade, and soda provided by Coca-Cola.
- 47,000 pounds of ice used.
- 20,000 meals served.
- 300 athletes and coaches wrapped tefillin daily.
As the Games came to a close, the resounding message was one of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will be remembered not only for the athletic achievements but also for the lasting friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that will continue to enrich the lives of all those who participated.
For more information about the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access and how you can support future events, please visit dpjcc.org.
Source: David Posnack Jewish Community Center
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