Since 1982, each summer the Games bring over 6,000 Jewish teens together to compete in a variety of sporting events. This year’s sports include basketball, e-sports, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, dance, swimming, tennis, table tennis, and track & field.
But the JCC Maccabi Games is much more than just an athletic competition. The Games offer Jewish teens a rich opportunity to make lifelong friendships, and promote community involvement, teamwork, and Jewish pride.
The PJCC delegation to the JCC Maccabi Games is underwritten in part by a generous donation from the Koret Foundation.
Dan Cook Achievement Award
The Dan Cook Achievement Award is given to teens for serving as an inspiration to other Jewish athletes, as well as demonstrating their leadership in and commitment to the Jewish community at large.
2019 Award Recipients
Roei Z. has participated in the JCC Maccabi Games for the past 4 years (since he was 12!). As a member of our boys soccer team, Roei shows tremendous leadership on and off the field. On the field, Roei has grown into a talented soccer player. He can be found giving it his all until the very end of the game, encouraging his teammates to do the same regardless if the outcome does not look positive. Off the field, Roei is actively participating in all that the Maccabi Games offers (including Hang Time and JCC Cares), often bringing new members of our delegation or teens from other delegations with him. Roei has one more year with the delegation and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for his last year!
Simon I. has participated in the Maccabi Games for the past two years. Coaches were quickly impressed by his maturity. As the only baseball player in his division, coaches could rely on Simon to communicate his whereabouts and changes to his schedule. Simon also immerses himself into the Games, quickly forming close bonds with his teammates and other members of the Peninsula–Palo Alto delegation. Even when playing on a team that doesn’t win any games, Simon always tries his hardest on field (and with a big smile on his face!). As one of the older teens in our delegation, Simon is a great role model to the younger members of our delegation. We’re excited to see what Simon brings to the delegation for his final year participating in the Games!
2018 Award Recipients
Lily J. is a three-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in Girls Soccer. She has been an asset to our delegation on and off the field, leading everyone to become the best versions of themselves. Lily exudes kindness, making quality contributions to the local Jewish community through her volunteer work and involvement with Jewish youth groups.
Noah K. participated in his first Maccabi Games in Orange County this past summer. The coaches were impressed with his commitment to the Games. Noah shared his enthusiasm for the Games with his teammates on his U16 boys soccer team and fellow members of the delegation. He was a great role model for younger members of our delegation.
2017 Award Recipients
Jordan L. is a two-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in swim. He is an innate leader, especially among the younger participants, encouraging others (as well as himself) to perform their best. Jordan represents the Jewish community well through his maturity and leadership.
Jason R. participated in his first Maccabi Games this past summer. He has relentless positivity both on and off the basketball court. When not competing, Jason could be found supporting other members of the delegation at their competitions. His inclination to support his Delegation was contagious, prompting other athletes to follow in his footsteps.
