Team Maccabi GB will head stateside next month when they send out a delegation of nearly 70 athletes and management staff to take part in the JCC Maccabi Games. Head of the Team Maccabi GB delegation for a ninth and final time will be husband-and-wife duo Janice and Ian Aarons, and their last Games, being staged at the end of July, will bring something slightly different. Janice explains: “This year marks a big change from previous Games – and an exciting one. "Our entire delegation will stay together on the Pittsburgh campus, creating a unique opportunity to bond not only with each other, but also with more than 1,800 athletes from around the world. “Living on campus will give our athletes a fun and inspiring glimpse into university life and a valuable experience as they start to think about their futures. "It’s set to be an unforgettable week of sports, connection, and discovery.” Team Maccabi GB’s squad will incorporate a delegation of 69, which is made up of 13 management staff, two U15 football teams, an U15 boys basketball team, an U17 boys basketball team, plus athletes in the swimming, tennis, dance, track and field events, with the addition of a star reporter. Saying how proud they are of the various squads they have assembled, Janice says: “For the first time, Ian and I are thrilled to be taking two basketball squads – one in each age category. "It’s also a privilege to once again be taking two football squads. "Track and field hasn’t been part of the JCC Games since 2018, so bringing a squad of nine athletes is a major achievement for us. Another exciting first is that we’re taking a star reporter, which gives one of our junior athletes the unique opportunity to receive hands-on training in covering the Games. "Throw in talented squads in swimming, dance, and tennis and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.” As with all tournaments of this ilk, the objective and aims of the Games is not confined to the competitive side. Janice explains: “The Opening Ceremony will take place on the Monday night and it’s sure to be an unforgettable moment for our delegation. “We’re also really looking forward to one of the evening highlights: a trip to a baseball game, which promises to be a fun and classic American experience.” As part of the JCC Games, every host city supports a community service project, with this year’s initiative focuses on children’s literacy. Each member of Team Maccabi GB’s delegation will bring a children’s book with them, and during the week will take part in a creative activity to personalise the books and make bookmarks to include inside. They also hope to have the opportunity to help pack and distribute these books to children in need within the local community. The final highlight of the competition will be the closing ceremony, which will take place on the following Thursday. Janice says: “It’s always a special evening filled with kit swapping, photo-taking, and exchanging numbers with the new friends made throughout the week.” As to what would constitute a successful Games, Janice says: “One of the most special parts of the Games is socialising with Jewish athletes from around the world, forming lifelong friendships, and feeling a deep sense of pride in representing our country and being Jewish. “And of course, winning medals is always a bonus!”
