The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access, hosted by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have come to a close with great success and appreciation for the supportive community. Over 2,000 Jewish teenagers aged 12-16 from various communities globally gathered in Fort Lauderdale for a week-long celebration of sports, unity, and inclusivity. The JCC Association of North America presented the Games, which provided an unforgettable Olympic-style experience with competitions, ceremonies, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to create lifelong Jewish connections.
One of the most remarkable highlights of this year’s event was the introduction of JCC Maccabi Access, presented by the Posnack Family Foundation and brought to you by UKG. This three-day program is designed for athletes aged 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with an inclusive Maccabi experience. The program was held in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®, demonstrating the event’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, reflected on the Games, stating, “We were overjoyed to welcome Jewish athletes from all corners of the world to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our JCC Maccabi Team led by our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman. Their unwavering commitment contributed significantly to establishing an atmosphere that nurtured camaraderie, inclusiveness, and the genuine essence of the Games.”
The success of the Games was greatly enhanced by the support of honorary co-chairs Scott Scherr, the founder of Ultimate Software, and Scot Hunter, the co-founder of Emerald Multi-Family Office. Their encouragement of business owners, along with the support of corporate and community partners, played a crucial role in the event’s success.
- Exclusive Automotive Sponsor: Craig Zinn Automotive Group
- Official Hospitality Sponsor: Visit Lauderdale
- Access Games Title Sponsor: UKG
- Access Games Presenting Sponsor: Posnack Family Foundation
- Official Sports Complex Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University
- Official Tennis Sponsor: Scherr Family Foundation
- Official Children’s Hospital Partner: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Supporting Corporate Sponsors:
- Emerald Multi-Family Office
- Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Official Torch Sponsor: Duty-Free America
- Kent Security
- Official Beverage Sponsor: Coca-Cola
- The Meltzer Group
- Official Transportation: Sponsor Comcast
- Official Media Partner: Clear Channel Outdoor
- Official Produce Sponsor: ProEx International
- Official Pun, Pass, and Kick Sponsor: Miami Dolphins
- Official Basketball Sponsor: Miami HEAT
- Official Baseball Sponsor: Miami Marlins
- Official Cleaning Company Sponsor: AK Building Services
- Official Swimming Sponsor: Blavatnik Family Foundation
- Northland Investments
- Official V-VIP Dinner Sponsor: Aroma Market & Catering
- Custom Outfitters LLC
- FP&L
- Greenspoon Marder
- Manne Foundation for Homeless Prevention
- Official Mitzvah Sponsor: Children’s Services Council of Broward County
In addition to being a competitive event, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access aimed to make a positive impact on the community. The JCC Cares Mitzvah Projects demonstrated the importance of serving others, with volunteers putting together over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food baskets for Goodman JFS Seniors and Holocaust Survivors. They also partnered with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County to donate more than 2,500 pairs of new sneakers to students. Additionally, 340 medals were repurposed for the “We Finish Together” organization, which spreads kindness to patients in hospitals who are battling illnesses.
Among the highlights:
- Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the Opening Ceremony at FLA Live Arena.
- 1,620 visiting athletes.
- 21 Access participants.
- 375 Coaches & Chaperones.
- 850 Community Volunteers.
- 600 Host Families.
- 215 Local Athletes & Access participants representing Team Fort Lauderdale.
- 64 delegations, including international representation from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and 53 cities throughout the USA.
- 100 Local businesses and individuals generously supporting.
- 110,000 bottles of Dasani water, Powerade, and soda provided by Coca-Cola.
- 47,000 pounds of ice used.
- 20,000 meals served.
- 300 athletes and coaches wrapped tefillin daily.
As the Games concluded, their resounding message was one of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will be remembered not just for athletic accomplishments, but also for lasting friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that will continue to enrich the lives of all who took part.
