JCC Maccabi Games® kicked off in 1982 with a big mission. It was designed in order to: provide Jewish youth with a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship, where they can interact in an atmosphere of fun, democracy, and peace; cultivate a deeper understanding and instill an appreciation of Jewish values within Jewish youth, enrich their Jewish identity in an informal setting, and encourage their identification with the state of Israel; promote and encourage the health, physical fitness and well-being of Jewish youth through participation in recreational and athletic activities; and introduce Jewish youth to the international Maccabi Movement, which presents athletic, cultural, and social opportunities with Jews from around the world.

The JCC Maccabi Games® honor and remember the Munich 11 athletes by memorializing their lives at every Opening Ceremonies. We will never forget the past, but continue looking into the future and encouraging you, Jewish teens, to play sports and live a full and active Jewish life.

For more information on the History of the Games, please visit http://www.jccmaccabigames.org/