The Jewish Community Center Maccabi Games, an international athletic competition for Jewish teens, is coming to St. Louis in 2016, and the JCC is actively recruiting athletes, ages 12 to 16, to compete in more than a dozen sporting events next summer. 

“We anticipate about 1,200 teens will come from across the country and abroad to compete in a dozen different individual and team events at venues across the St. Louis area,” said 2016 Games Director Fanchon Auman, “and we want a big St. Louis delegation to welcome our out-of-town guests.” Auman said the goal is 250 athletes, and two events are planned this month to help hit that number. 

From 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, the JCC will host a Text/Instagram-a-thon at the Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Dr. in Creve Coeur. Snacks will be provided, and teens will reach out to their friends via social media to spread the word about the games. 

From 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Marilyn Fox Building, 16801 Baxter Rd. in Chesterfield, the JCC will host a late- night party for former and future Maccabi athletes. The pool will be open, and games will be set up in the gym. 

Teens interested in attending one or both of these free events should RSVP to Phil Ruben, [email protected] or 314-442-3279.

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Team and individual tryouts for sports will take place at the Marilyn Fox Building Nov. 15 and Nov. 22. Athletes must try out for baseball, basketball, dance, flag football, soccer, softball, swimming and volleyball. Tryouts are not required for golf, table tennis, tennis, or track and field, but athletes must pre-register and attend an information meeting.

There are many other opportunities to Get in the Games in 2016, from hosting out-of-town athletes, to sponsoring, to serving on one or more of a dozen committees it will take to plan and execute this thrilling event.

“This is a phenomenal event to support. We can help anyone who is interested find a way to get involved,” Auman said, “and it will take more than 1,000 volunteers to make the Games happen.” 

For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games, visit maccabistlouis.org, facebook.com/STLMaccabi and #MaccabiSTL.