Reflections from Maccabi: The Experience of a Lifetime
Written By: Sydney Ignoffo and Becca Goldman
16U Girls basketball participants
Landing in Miami this year we had our minds set on a team gold medal. As we approached the Miami Alper JCC, we began to see all the other team delegations and host families. You could feel and hear the excitement in the air as all the participants from around the world began to meet their host families. Our host family took us back to their home where we got to relax before opening ceremonies. They have been an incredible host family and have added to our experience this week!
Sunday evening, we grabbed our delegation pins and headed to the stadium. When we arrived, the trading of pins began and we were meeting people from all over the world! It was such a cool experience to walk out to the cheers of the crowd. We both felt enormous pride as we represented our Chicago delegation.
Monday morning, the games finally began and you could feel the energy in the gym from all the teams participating. Throughout the day, whether playing a game, enjoying a team meal, or at a night event, we were always meeting new people and catching up with our own delegation.
This has been—and continues to be—the experience of a lifetime and the perfect way to close our the summer.
Sydney and Becca played on the JCC Chicago 16U girls basketball team. Although they did not win a gold medal, their experience at the games is one they will remember with great pride and accomplishment. JCC Chicago’s 14U and 16U boys baseball teams are playing for gold medals today (Thurs., Aug. 10), and our 16U boys basketball team will be competing for a bronze medal. The JCC Chicago Maccabi swim participants have earned a total of 2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal and continue to compete as the week goes on. Congratulation to all of the 2017 Maccabi athletes and Arts Fest participants!