Kick-Off Held Oct. 27 in West Bloomfield for JCC Maccabi Games

A kick-off meeting for next summer's JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest, bringing more than 2,000 participants to metropolitan Detroit, will be held Oct. 27, 4 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in West Bloomfield. 

Metropolitan Detroit will host the event, held Aug. 17-Aug. 22, for the fifth time. 

More than 2,000 participants, their families and coaches are expected at the Games, which is the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world. Chaired by Rick Zussman and Karen Gordon, with Florine Mark and Joel Jacob serving as honorary chairs, the games begin with opening ceremonies at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Director Ariella Monson, a native of Ann Arbor, is busy working to secure 800 host families and the more than 1,000 volunteers needed to make the program a success.

“It’s easy and fun to become involved, and volunteers are needed for every aspect of the event,” she said. “When you become a host family, you have the added bonus of getting to know some great kids and really experience the Games & ArtsFest first-hand.”
 
Sports for this year’s Games include baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, bowling, dance, swimming, table tennis and tennis. And while Detroit is a seasoned host when it comes to sports, 2014 will mark the first time the city will also host the ArtsFest.

“The ArtsFest is a great addition to the event,” said JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Assistant Director Rebecca Hoffheimer, “There really is something for every talent.”

ArtsFest includes: acting/improv, culinary arts, vocal music/glee, dance, forensics, orchestra, musical theater, rock band, star reporter and visual arts.

A second meeting for Maccabi participants will be held Nov. 13, 7 p.m. at the JCC in Oak Park.