Passing of the torch
The San Diego host committee passing the Games torch to the David Posnack JCC organizers of the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access.

Excitement is growing in South Florida Jewish communities as the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) was selected to serve as the host community for the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Presented by the JCC Association of North America, the Games are North America's largest Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens. 

DPJCC will host over 1,500 Jewish teen athletes, ages 12-16, representing communities from across the world, from Aug. 6-Aug. 11, 2023, to experience the joy of sport and the power of inclusion through camaraderie and competition. Among the highlights of this unique, Olympic-style Jewish experience will be sports competitions, opening and closing ceremonies; community service; social and cultural events; and opportunities to create Jewish connections, and memories to last a lifetime.

The JCC Association has proudly added Maccabi Access, providing athletes ages 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities a meaningful and inclusive Maccabi experience. The program will be a three-day experience held from August 6-August 8 in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®.

"We are excited to welcome Jewish athletes from across the globe to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our team is proud to host the Access Games giving teen athletes with differing abilities the opportunity to participate in this unique set of Games. Our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman, are working hard to create an environment that fosters friendships, inclusivity, and the true spirit of the Games," said Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center.

Legendary Ultimate Software founder Scott Scherr and Emerald Multi-Family Office co-founder Scot Hunter will serve as honorary co-chairs of the Games, and are encouraging business owners to support this tremendous cause-worthy experience. So far, this year's participating corporate and community partners include Coca-Cola, JCC Association of North America, Jewish Federation of Broward County, Nova Southeastern University, Posnack Family Foundation, Scherr Family Foundation, UKG, Visit Lauderdale, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Kent Security, The Meltzer Group, and many more to come.

"We are honored to host the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access here in Greater Fort Lauderdale," said Stacy Ritter, president & CEO of Visit Lauderdale. "This Olympic-style youth sporting event that is known for its inclusive spirit is a wonderful fit for our highly diverse and inclusive community, where we welcome everyone under the sun." 

JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will take place in Fort Lauderdale from August 6 to Aug. 11, 2023. For information or to learn how you can support the Games, please visit fortlauderdalemaccabi.com.

ABOUT JCC ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA:

JCC Association of North America strengthens and leads JCCs, YM-YWHAs, and camps throughout North America. As the convening organization, the JCC Association partners with JCCs to bring together the collective power and knowledge of the JCC Movement. JCC Association offers services and resources to increase the effectiveness of JCCs as they provide community engagement and educational, cultural, social, recreational, and Jewish identity-building programs to enhance Jewish life throughout North America. By supporting the 25,000 Jewish communal professionals who connect with two million JCC participants each year, JCC Association encourages engaged lives of purpose and meaning.

About David Posnack JCC:

The David Posnack Jewish Community Center is located in Broward County. Its purpose: To enrich lives by connecting people. The J is open to all and proudly guided by Jewish values. From infant to senior year-round, the "J"  serves all residents of the community, regardless of faith, age, or ability.

The DJCC is a 501(c)(3), awarded the highest level of certification for accountability, transparency, and financial management by Charity Navigator and GuideStar. For information, please visit dpjcc.org.