Join 3,000 Jewish teen athletes ages 13–17 from around the world at the JCC Maccabi Games®, the largest annual Olympic-style sporting event for Jewish teens. Experience high-level competition, meaningful community service, and unforgettable cultural events.
Represent Montreal at the 2026 Toronto Games, taking place August 2–7.
Complete the interest form to learn more and view the tryout schedule below.
In 2002, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA proudly hosted the JCC Maccabi Games® right here in Montreal? Today, as we continue to take part in this Olympic-style celebration of sport, teamwork, and Jewish pride, our vision is to see the Maccabi Montreal Delegation grow even stronger — with the hope of one day welcoming the Games back to our city. Each year, Maccabi Montreal proudly sends over 100 athletes to compete, represent our community, and carry that spirit forward.
The JCC Maccabi Games began in 1982 with 300 teen participants. Today, more than four decades later, JCC Maccabi is a unique and powerful platform that promotes teen engagement and builds Jewish identity and community on an unparalleled scale.
Each summer, approximately 3,000 13 to 17-year-old Jewish athletes from around the world convene for a week of individual and team athletic competition in one of several host communities in North America. The Games are co-sponsored by JCC Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada, and Maccabi USA.
Athletes, coaches, chaperones, and family members proudly represent each delegation. Local families host teens, and thousands of local volunteers, donors, and sponsors contribute to the success of the Games. The magic of the JCC Maccabi experience unites JCCs, host communities, and every person touched by the Games.
Although the central activities are sports and athletic endeavors, the broader context of the Games embraces Jewish expressions of pride, peoplehood, identity, and values. JCC Maccabi medals are awarded not only for sporting achievements but also for expressions of six core midot (values) that underpin all aspects of the JCC Maccabi experience: Repairing the World, Respect, Joy, Pride, Big-Heartedness, and Jewish peoplehood.
The Olympic-style opening ceremony instills pride and excitement for all and always includes a moving tribute in memory of the Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Until 2022, the International Olympic Committee never paid tribute to the 11 athletes and coaches. Other components of the Games include JCC Cares, a community service-learning project; JCC HangTime, an opportunity to learn about Israel directly from shlichim in Israel’s Maccabi Movement, and time to socialize with fellow athletes, making lifelong Jewish memories and friendships.
For the majority of JCC Maccabi athletes, 63% of whom report being otherwise unaffiliated with any other Jewish youth organization, JCC Maccabi remains their primary connection to Jewish community, global Jewish life, and Israel. Surveys of past participants indicate that it is not only the sports that attract and excite them; opportunities to meet Jews from around the world, participate in an exclusively Jewish teen program, and celebrate Israel are equal attractive features of JCC Maccabi. They may come for sports, but they leave with stronger identities as Jews.
July 27 – August 7, 2026 | YCC + Toronto
The 2026 Games will be hosed in Toronto and for the first time in Montreal Maccabi history, our athletes will begin their experience with an exclusive pre-games experience at Y Country Camp (YCC) before heading into the official games in Toronto.
Adding to the excitement, teens from Sha’ar LeShivyon (Be’er Sheva, Israel) will join our delegation at YCC. This unique gathering will offer athletes a rich cultural and Jewish experience that will stay with them long after the summer ends.
Thousands of Jewish teens from around the world will gather for high-level sport, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Athletes represent all skill levels, from elite to first-time competitors.
Sports Offered
Basketball (boys & girls), 3×3 Basketball, Baseball, Dance, Golf, Ice Hockey (boys & girls), Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Star Reporter*
Watch the JCC Maccabi promo video HERE
Click HERE for the 2026 information packet
JCC Maccabi is about much more than sport competition. A great athlete or leader is not defined by fame or wins, but their actions towards fellow human beings. Six official JCC Maccabi Midot (values) guide the JCC Maccabi program, helping us remember the greater mission of the Games. We emphasize Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big hearted), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood). Those who exemplify these Jewish values and the true meaning of Maccabi may be lucky enough to earn a Midot medal at the Games, the highest honor for a JCC Maccabi participant.
Official tryouts are done. Contact Ian Hermelin at Ihermelin@ymywha.com to scheule an individual tryout (If space is available in your desired sport).
The JCC Maccabi Games bring together Jewish teens from around the world for an unforgettable experience that celebrates sport, community, and Jewish identity. Through friendly competition and shared values, participants build lifelong friendships, strengthen their connection to Israel, and take pride in belonging to the global Jewish community.
To be eligible:
JCC Maccabi® Access is a JCC Maccabi Games experience for Jewish athletes (ages 12-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Access athletes, with one-to-one support, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games, including both unified and specialized activities.
The program offers an inclusive and meaningful way for Access athletes to join thousands of their Jewish peers from around the world in experiencing the magic of JCC Maccabi. It also provides JCCs with opportunities to develop and strengthen programs for these teens and their families in their own communities.
Access athletes can participate in a three-and-a-half-day program as part of the JCC Maccabi Games. To ensure they and their families successfully integrate into the Games and its activities, JCC Association offers ways for the athletes to connect with their delegation and meet other Access participants prior to the Games. We also offer resources and support to our movement’s inclusion professionals—both before and after the Games—to help them facilitate this integration and strengthen community-based inclusion work.
Athletic skill development and competition
HangTime (Israel programming)
JCC Cares community service
Exploration of the six JCC Maccabi midot (values)
Social activities
Opening and closing ceremonies
Each athlete takes on their own fundraising goal—and your donation can sponsor an individual athlete or support the full team. Contributions help cover training, travel, staffing, and the unforgettable experience of competing on a global stage.
Maccabi Montreal’s $350K goal ensures the Games remain inclusive, with accessible registration fees and financial assistance for those who need it. Athlete-led fundraising builds teamwork, responsibility, and community pride—on and off the field.
Donate or become a sponsor today and help our athletes represent our community with pride while ensuring this life-changing experience is available to all.
For more information on sponsorship contact Nathalie Klepatch nklepatch@ymywha.com
Shayne Bregman is a dedicated coach and former Dawson College basketball player returning for his third JCC Maccabi Games in 2026. A past Maccabiah participant and a coach/chaperone at last summer’s JCC Maccabi Games, he brings strong competitive experience and deep pride in Jewish sport. Shayne co-coached Montreal’s 17U 3×3 team to a bronze medal in Tucson (2025) and is known for his energetic, supportive, and athlete‑focused approach. He aims to help athletes grow in confidence, teamwork, and identity while creating meaningful and memorable Maccabi experiences.
Emma Cohen, a law student at the University of Montreal, brings a strong background in athletics, leadership, and community involvement to her first JCC Maccabi Games as staff. A former basketball and flag‑football team captain, she previously competed in the Maccabi Games in Atlanta (2019) —an experience that shaped her passion for Jewish sport. Emma has held roles in tutoring, community security, medical administration, and academic leadership, including representing Canada at the Weizmann Physics Competition. She is committed to fostering confidence, discipline, and team spirit while helping athletes fully embrace the JCC Maccabi experience.
Natalie Dolphy is a social worker with 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across school, clinical, and community settings. Returning for her second JCC Maccabi Games, she brings expertise in youth development, resilience‑building, and goal‑setting. As a parent soccer coach, she prioritizes inclusion, communication, and positive team culture, working closely with athletes and families alike. Natalie is committed to ensuring that each participant feels supported, confident, and proud to represent Montreal at the 2026 Games.
David “Coach Salo” Salonichios enters his third JCC Maccabi Games with a strong track record of success and athlete‑centered coaching. He has led Montreal’s Flag Football teams to gold medals in Houston (2024) and Tucson (2025) and coached his Wolves Basketball team to victory in the 2025 “Leader of the Pack” tournament. With experience at YCC and two years coaching with the Wolves, David is known for his positivity, energy, and ability to motivate young athletes. He is committed to creating a memorable, team‑focused Maccabi experience.
Sarah Janowski, a basketball coach at Herzliah High School and assistant coach with the Wolves Mini girls program, joins the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games for the first time. With experience coaching cadet and mini girls, leading school events, and working as a Y City Camp counsellor, Sarah brings positivity, patience, and strong organizational skills. She prioritizes confidence‑building and teamwork, helping athletes grow on and off the court. Sarah is excited to support each participant’s development and contribute to a fun, inspiring Maccabi experience.
With more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs and extensive involvement in sports administration, Chi Yen Lim returns for her sixth JCC Maccabi Games. She has managed a soccer club, coordinated an adult ball‑hockey league, and volunteered across numerous community events. As an active hockey and volleyball player, she connects naturally with young athletes. Chi Yen also brings years of camp counselling and coordination experience, offering structure, reliability, and calm leadership. She is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive Maccabi environment.
Ethan Hotchkiss enters his fifth JCC Maccabi Games as a seasoned basketball coach known for his steady leadership and commitment to athlete development. He guided Montreal’s 17U 3×3 team to a bronze medal in Tucson (2025) and previously led two 15U teams to bronze‑medal games in Fort Lauderdale (2023) and Houston (2024). Ethan creates a supportive, competitive environment that encourages confidence, teamwork, and pride in representing Montreal. He looks forward to helping athletes build skills, friendships, and meaningful Maccabi memories.
Breanna Sherman joins the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games for her first year as staff, bringing experience as an Executive Assistant and extensive youth‑program involvement. She has worked as a counsellor at CBB Ottawa, a program leader with Westcoast Connection, and a staff member at the YM‑YWHA since 2019. Breanna is known for her organization, warmth, and ability to support young people in dynamic environments. She is excited to contribute energy, reliability, and enthusiasm to help athletes enjoy a meaningful Maccabi experience.
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| Gold | 14U 3×3 Boys Basketball | 17U Hockey | 14U Boys Soccer Swimming (4) | 14U Girls Basketball 16U Flag Football Swimming (19) | 17U Flag Foootball | ||
| Silver | 14U Boys Soccer | Swimming (2) | 16U Hockey | Swimming (13) | 17U Boys Soccer | 15U Hockey | |
| Bronze | 16U Hockey | 17U Girls Flag Football | 14U Pickleball Swimming (3) | 16U Girls Basketball Swimming (4) | 17U 3X3 Boys Basketball |
5400 Westbury Avenue
Montreal, Quebec H3W 2W8
514-737-6551
contact@ymywha.com
Sunday: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Monday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Tuesday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Wednesday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Thursday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Friday: 6:00AM – 4:30PM*
Saturday: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
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