Posted on 05/08/23
Baltimore, MD - May 8, 2023 - Yesterday, over 500 Jewish athletes ages 8-12 from more than 12 cities across the Eastern seaboard came together to participate in the Mini/Junior Maccabi Games hosted by the JCC of Greater Baltimore. Arriving at 7:30 am for the opening ceremonies, these athletes spent the day competing in baseball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and basketball. Starting the day with a pledge of sportsmanship, the athletes headed out to their respective venues to showcase their athleticism, teamwork, and dedication.
Despite the fact that the teams were made up of athletes from many different schools and Jewish backgrounds, and some had never met before the formation of these teams, they all came together to represent their various Jewish communities. Traveling from as far as Schenectady, NY, the athletes spent the day proudly giving each competition their all, making connections, and coming together in Jewish unity.
Our Greater Baltimore delegation held its collective head high as the youth athletes represented a variety of schools such as Beth Tfiloh, Ohr Chadash Academy, Talmudical Academy, Krieger Schechter Day School, various Baltimore County public schools, and many more. At the end of the day, Baltimore's delegation boasted gold medals in Mini Boys Soccer, Junior Boys Soccer, Junior Girls Soccer, Junior Boys Baseball, and swimming, with strong showings in Mini and Junior Boys and Girls Basketball as well.
While not every athlete went home with a medal, they all left with a strong sense of achdus and connection to other young Jewish athletes of all backgrounds.