The JCC Games is held annually in different cities in the USA by the JCC (Jewish Community Centres) of North America. Over 1500 Jewish teens, ages 12-16, representing communities from across the globe, come together for an unforgettable week of competition, community service and social activities. This event included athletes from USA, Canada, Israel, Argentina, Mexico, Ukraine, Great Britain and South Africa. It is an ideal forum for athletes to create Jewish connections, friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
The JCC Games targets a slightly younger age group than the traditional Maccabi Games in Israel, which appeals to Maccabi SA as it allows us to broaden our services. Our all-female team was made up of girls 7v7 soccer and a dance group. While Maccabi SA has a proud history on the soccer field, this was the first time we competed in dance.
Our U14-16 Dance group was selected via auditions held in Johannesburg and taped submissions from Cape Town. The final team was as follows:
The team was managed by dance teacher, Megan Rosenberg, and the girls rehearsed individually and together for three months in the build up to the event.
Trials for U16 Girls 7v7 Soccer were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town and a squad of nine girls was selected:
The team was coached by Darryn Edinburg, who was also the Convenor of Boys Soccer for the 2022 Maccabi Games in Israel, where he doubled up as a physio, truly epitomising the Maccabi spirit of volunteerism.
The girls trained at Highlands Park Football Club in Jo’burg, at Herzlia School in Cape Town, as well as at their own clubs. Edinburg also provided the girls with fitness and conditioning programmes.
We were delighted to welcome two players from JCC San Diego into our squad – Ella Feigenbaum and Rachel Woolf – thus forming an international mixed team called SA/SD. The JCC San Diego logo was included on the team’s proudly SA kit, sponsored by Forwardzone, including a green home strip and gold away strip.
The girls had two training sessions prior to the tournament which helped them acclimatise to the intense heat and humidity. The captains were then announced at a capping ceremony, based on a vote by the girls. Luna Beyhan (Herzlia) and Liya Edinburg (King David Linksfield) were chosen as captain and vice-captain respectively.
As the captain, Luna was also appointed flag bearer for Team SA for the Opening Ceremony, following in the footsteps of many accomplished Maccabians who have been awarded this honour throughout Maccabi SA’s 87 year history.
RESULTS
The dance competition was held over four days, with Masterclasses with renowned US teachers in the morning, and the contest in the afternoon. The girls competed in various genres including contemporary, lyrical, ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop, in both solos and duets, with routines choreographed by various Jo’burg teachers.
Team SA performed exceptionally well, bringing home a total of eleven medals, including four golds. The group’s Israeli dancing performance, choreographed by Talia Kodesh who added a proudly South African flavour, won the gold medal and was the talk of the town. They truly did SA proud.
The U16 Soccer team lost their first two games against tough competitors, but bounced back to beat Argentina 3-0 and LA West 3-1. They made it through to the quarter finals against Fort Lauderdale but lost to a very strong host side.
Our top goal scorer of the tournament was captain Luna Beyhan (4), followed by Liya Edinburg and Ruby Snaid with three each.
We are very proud of our soccer team who gelled well as a squad and demonstrated great determination and fighting spirit.
OFF THE FIELD
The team stayed with local families, including ex-pat South Africans, and a holocaust survivor who was deeply moved to be able to host the girls. Team SA thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with their hosts going all out to show them Fort Lauderdale, including beach parties, boat trips, music concerts, Latino food and very special Shabbas dinners. If there was a Maccabi Shopping Games, South Africa would be a clear gold medal winner. We also joined Maccabi Great Britain for a great day out which included… some more shopping!
JCC runs various Tzedakah projects and Team SA was invited to participate. The girls donated new sneakers to JCC’s programme which provides supplies to children living in economically disadvantaged households.
The trip ended on a high when Team Maccabi SA was awarded the JCC Midot Medal by Ana Ehrlich, head of the JCC Fort Lauderdale Games. The Midot Medal is presented to the team or athletes that demonstrate JCC Midot (values) including respect, kindness, Jewish peoplehood and Tikkun Olam. Ehrlich congratulated Team SA on behaving in a way that best represented these Midot principles. Maccabi SA is honoured to receive this award and thrilled to have been able to provide this opportunity for our girls who were exceptional ambassadors for our country and community – winners on and off the field.
“We are very proud of this young, talented team who flew our flag high in the USA. We have made it a priority to grow interest and participation in women’s sport and through this event delivered a memorable opportunity for these girls to compete against Jewish teens from across the world. We hope to see them rise through our ranks and continue to shine on the world stage.” (Clifford Garrun, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Maccabi SA).
Back to News
Copyright 2015 Macabbi South Africa / Designed and developed by Pixel Village
