Combining athletics, the arts, and Judaism with spirit and fun, the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games held in Orange County, Calif., was an unforgettable experience. 

Over 2,000 Jewish teens from across the globe partook in the games in Orange County, with a second set of games taking place in Austin, Texas.  Each participant competed in one of 12 different sporting events or the Maccabi Artsfest. The athletes and artists each stayed with a resident of Orange County throughout the week.

Corie Yutkin, a rabbi who lives with her two young daughters and husband in Orange County, was one of 800 families who hosted the athletes.

Along with the many host families who opened their homes to the participants, 1,500 people volunteered from Orange County to ensure their games were a success.

The Orange County community has been preparing for the games for several years prior to the actual event, which includes the planning of evening activities for almost every night of the games. 

“The evening activities were the most memorable part of the Maccabi Games because you got to meet so many people from all over the world and have a good time with them,” St. Louis baseball player Matthew Gibbs, student at Parkway Central and member of United Hebrew, said. “We had a beach party, our host family took us to an Anaheim Angels game, and every night seemed to be something fun and different.”

St. Louis dancer Molly Dicker, a junior at Parkway Central and member of United Hebrew, echoed that thought. 

“Maccabi was a great experience,” Molly said. “I was able to meet new people, make lasting memories, compete in a sport that I love and explore California. It was a great way to end my summer break.” 

Throughout the course of the day, teens participated in athletic and arts events. A typical schedule consisted of competing in two games or events and then cheering on friends as they competed. St. Louis had a strong showing with much support from their fellow teammates. 

St. Louis delegation head Fanchon Auman led all the St. Louis teams on the trip this year to Orange County. 

“We all came together through sports but left with so much more,” Auman said. “The totality of the experience from living Rachmanus, friendship, community service and memories for a lifetime was amazing.”

This year was not Auman’s first year involved in the Maccabi Games, but the effect of the Games was not lost on her.

“I have been involved with the Games for 20 years including being a volunteer, host family, watching my children participate, coaching, being part of a host community, and being delegation head. I have taken the St. Louis Delegation across the United States and to Israel,” Auman said. “Just as the athletes, I have made many friends and have memories that will last a lifetime.”

With over 2,000 teens at every night event, many athletes made strong friendships. Several said they expected to stay in touch, despite the fact that they live far away. 

“I will always remember the Maccabi Games because I got to see camp friends and meet new people who I will always be friends with,” Matthew said.

The Maccabi Games were founded to bring different Jewish teens together in the name of competition, but both the athletes and adults seem to have brought home much more than medals.

“Two thousand three hundred teenagers from all over the world, all different, but sharing one connection – they are all Jewish,” Auman said. “The feeling is overpowering.” •