Overview

The Katz JCC is proud to be the host community of the 2025 Games! Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 4, 2025. May the 4th be with you! 
The Mini and Junior Maccabi Games are a one-day sporting event for Jewish athletes ages 9-12. Athletes from the Mid-Atlantic region gather for this exciting tournament every May. These Games are modeled after the International JCC Maccabi Games® and will include a mitzvah project benefiting a local organization. 


The Games begin with an Opening Ceremony complete with dignitaries, speeches, the athlete’s oath and the highly anticipated parade of athletes. Participants, spectators and coaches then disperse throughout the South Jersey area for the competition to begin.

Join Team Cherry Hill

We are building our delegation to include athletes and coaches for 2025. See links below for registration and additional information

Sports Offered:

• Baseball; ages 9-12
• Basketball; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• Soccer; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• Swimming; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• Track; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• Tennis; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• Pickleball; boys & girls age divisions 9-10 and 11-12
• E-sports; co-ed age divisions 9-10 and 11-12

For information about the inclusive experience please contact Khayri Mack at kmack@jfedsnj.org ext. 1159.

Inclusive Experience

New for the 2025 Games will be an inclusive experience for neurodivergent athletes including those individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this inclusive experience all Jewish athletes can build community around sport that fosters their connection to Judaism.

Inclusive sports offered:

• Swimming
• Track
• E-Sports

For information about the inclusive experience please contact Nina Staiman at nstaiman@jfedsnj.org ext. 1204.

Be an

Athlete!

Tryouts and information sessions for Team South Jersey will take place in early 2025. Get on our e-mail list and receive information as plans are made. 

(Note: Visiting athletes' tryout in their home community with their local JCC)

Be a Coach!

Coaching staff will be needed to lead our young athletes. Coaches must work with the JCC to host tryouts, select teams, and hold practices. Coaches must be at least 18 years old.

Be a Volunteer!

Help is always needed. There will be so many tasks as we prepare. Help with Games planning, or volunteer for the day.

Be a Sponsor

The Games would not be possible without the generous support of our community.  There are many ways for individuals and businesses to play a vital role in bringing the 2025 Mid Atlantic Maccabi Games to South Jersey. Call or email Nancy Caporusso at ncaporusso@Jfedsnj.org x 1267

Local Athlete Tryouts

Tryouts coming winter 2025

Organizing

Committee

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Mini and Junior Games are directed by the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill.

Emily Caracciolo and Perri Silverstein

Co-Chairs

Oded Kraus

Exective Director

Amanda Gelovich

Games Assistant Director

Beth Segal

Games Advisor

Board Liaison

Harris Adler

Amanda Halliwell

Khayri Mack

Local Delegation Head

Games Director

Our JCC Mid Atlantic Maccabi Games experience was incredibly special for our son.  As a swimmer, he is more used to the individual experience of the sport, but our delegation heads did such a phenomenal job of making sure every athlete felt like a part of the team.  We loved the training and athletic experience he got, but even more special was the ability to enjoy a day focused on his Jewish identity.  He cannot wait for May 4, 2025, and he is already asking when he can go to the big Maccabi Games!

- Sara Sideman

The Maccabi Games are such a unique, amazing experience. I played growing up, and I've been so happy seeing my daughter thrive at the Mini Maccabi Games the last two years. The Games are like no other experience. The camaraderie among the teams and players is unmatched. It's wonderful looking around the room and seeing it filled with love, pride, and Jewish athletes and their families from around the region.  I can't recommend it enough to any Jewish athletes out there!

- Danielle Simons

Being involved with the Mid Atlantic Mini and Junior Maccabi Games at the Delaware - Siegel JCC in May 2024 was an unforgettable experience for both me as a coach and my daughter as a player. Representing the Katz JCC and the South Jersey Delegation, we celebrated a special moment by winning a gold medal in our division. The girls’ basketball team had an amazing time, not only competing but also building friendships with other players from the Mid-Atlantic region. The Jewish value of Rachmanus (sportsmanship and fair gameplay) was prominently displayed, making the event even more meaningful. This day is one we will always look back on with pride as Jewish athletes and individuals.

- Jason Fox Girls 9-10 Basketball Coach