Maccabi athletes turn in record performances

Fifteen Jewish athletes from around the state who competed in the JCC Maccabi Games in Detroit between August 18 and 22 created the largest contingent of Rhode Island athletes ever sent to the JCC Maccabi games.

Competing with 2,500 other athletes from across the United States and around the world, this determined group managed to rack up a record with four medals – one gold, two silver 1 and one bronze – and a whole lot of fun, all at the same time.

“I am absolutely going to go next year,” said dancer and bronze medalist, Gabriella ‘Gabi’ Levin. “Everybody is really nice, meeting new people, making friends and being supportive of each other. And our Rhode Island team really had fun together.”

This was a second time participating in the JCC Maccabi games for swimmer Sam Skurkovich, who won both a gold medal in the 200 freestyle mixed relay, and silver in the 400 free mixed relay. “I’m telling all my friends they have to come next year. It’s a life-changing experience. Sure, it’s about the competition, but it’s also about socializing as well. And it’s such a shock to the system to see all those Jewish teens in one place.”

Delegation head Darlene Desroches summed it up beautifully when she said, “All our kids kept saying ‘I didn’t know there were so many Jewish people.’ Between the more than 2,500 athletes and all the spectators and families that were there for the events, there were more Jewish people gathered in one place at one time than most of our team had ever experienced. I think it was really mind-opening for these kids, and it gave them a sense of being part of something much bigger even than the games themselves.”

JCCRI is actively seeking athletes to compete in next year’s JCC Maccabi games. Jewish teens living in Rhode Island ages 13-16, with skills in baseball, soccer (girls and guys), basketball (girls), golf, tennis, table tennis, swimming, dance and volley ball are encouraged to contact the JCCRI for more information.

The JCCRI is also looking for future Maccabi athletes, ages nine to 12 for its Jr. Maccabi training program, with classes starting Sept. 17 at JCCRI. This conditioning course is only $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For further information on either program, please contact Darlene Desroches, at the JCCRI, at 401-861-8800.

The JCCRI Maccabi Games participation is made possible by generous support from the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, the Touro Fraternal Association and the JCCRI Endowment Fund. Jr. Maccabi training is made possible through a generous donation by Dr. and Mrs. Albert Glucksman.

JCCRI 2008 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games Delegation
Soccer: Sam Kirsch Danilo Milevsky Dan LaBove Aaron Libman Micah Wisen Jeremy Harlam Gregory Harlam Zachary Rubin Allie Robbio Anton Koudriavtsev
Swimming: David Padwa Sam Skurkovich
Dance: Amy Entin Gabi Levin
Tennis: Jacob Berman