The 2024 Maccabi Games were an incredible experience for our athletes, coaches, and supporters! This year, our delegation not only brought home an impressive 41 medals, but we also celebrated unforgettable moments that reflect the values and spirit of the games.

A Medal-Winning Performance

Our athletes showcased their talent, determination, and teamwork, bringing home 14 Gold, 15 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals across various sports. Here are some of the standout achievements:

• Gold Medals:
  • 14U Girls Basketball
  • 16U Boys Soccer
  • 16U Flag Football
  • 19 Individual Swimming Gold Medals
• Silver Medals:
  • 16U Hockey
  • 13 Individual Swimming Silver Medals
• Bronze Medals:
  • 16U Girls Basketball
  • 4 Individual Swimming Bronze Medals

A Special Bar Mitzvah Celebration

One of the most memorable moments of the 2024 Maccabi Games was when one of our athletes celebrated his bar mitzvah during the competition! His family joined the special occasion via Zoom, while his teammates were all there to celebrate with him in person. It was a beautiful reminder of how the Maccabi Games are more than just sports—they’re about community, tradition, and creating lasting memories.

The importance of positivity

One of our teams was honored with a Midot Medal for exemplifying the value of RINA (joy). This award is given to athletes and teams who bring joy and positivity to the games. While this team may not have been competitive in their contests, their infectious smiles and uplifting energy were noticed by everyone—opposing coaches, spectators, officials, and sport commissioners alike. Their enthusiasm and happiness truly embodied the spirit of the Maccabi Games.

Ensuring accessibility for all

We are incredibly proud and grateful to our title sponsor, Olymbec, for their commitment to ensuring that all athletes, regardless of financial means, could participate in the 2024 Maccabi Games. Thanks to their generous support, our registration fees were the lowest among all delegations, allowing more athletes to participate in this life-changing experience. Our goal is to make the Maccabi Games as accessible as possible, and Olymbec’s contribution played a crucial role in helping us achieve this mission.

Looking forward

As we reflect on the highlights of the 2024 Maccabi Games, we are filled with pride for all our athletes and the memories created on and off the field. This year’s Maccabi Games truly captured the essence of what it means to be part of our community, and we look forward to carrying this feeling with us into the New Year and beyond. 

Tryouts for Maccabi 2025 will be announced soon, and will likely take place this fall!

For more  info on Maccabi 2025, contact Ian Hermelin ihermelin@ymywha.com