JCC Maccabi Games® Return

More than 1,100 Teens to Compete

By Loni Nannini

Teens from across the nation and beyond will go for the gold while celebrating the silver anniversary of the return of the JCC Maccabi Games® to the Tucson Jewish Community Center from Jul. 27 through Aug. 1. 

Last held in Tucson in 2000, the Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens ages 13 to 17 embodies athleticism, fellowship, philanthropy, sportsmanship and leadership. With an estimated $4 million-plus impact, the games are a boon for the region as the “Tucson J” marks 70 years.

“At the Tucson J, it is an opportunity for us to engage with volunteers and leaders and create something very special that will inspire the community, and by extension, the city of Tucson,” said Todd Rockoff, president and CEO of the Tucson JCC. “It will bring a large event to Tucson during a time of year when things are relatively quiet.

“More than 1,100 teens from across North America, Israel and around the globe − and family members and spectators who are coming to watch them − will stay in hotels, eat in restaurants and shop in our stores. It is creating lots of excitement here and across the community and we are honored to be part of something that will be so helpful to Tucson and Southern Arizona in July 2025.”

Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games® highlight sports and recreation programs and emphasize Jewish values. Like the Olympics, the games feature sporting competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, travel, social and cultural events, and opportunities for athletes and their families to make life-long friends and memories. 

The event also attracts coaches, referees, support staff and about 1,000 volunteers, many of whom travel from elsewhere. The timing during traditionally soft dates in local hotel occupancy has significant implications for the hospitality, service and tourism industries, said Felipe Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Tucson.

“An event of this scale is sure to have a positive economic impact on many different types of local businesses, including the Tucson International Airport, hotels and resorts, restaurants, rental vehicles, attractions and more,” said Garcia.

The Tucson JCC at 3800 E. River Rd. will serve as the hub, with activities and sporting events held throughout the city.

“The games will create a surge in tourism dollars that benefits the entire community,” said Barney Holtzman, chair of the Tucson JCC Maccabi Games®. “From shopping and dining to cultural experiences, Tucson’s unique offerings will be front and center, giving visitors a true taste of what makes our city special.”

The event has broadened appeal through JCC Maccabi® Access programs, which were created to provide access for Jewish athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the same opportunities as neurotypical peers.  

“We are pleased that the games will provide distinct opportunities for these athletes to compete and play amongst themselves along with integrated opportunities in some sports, evening activities, opening ceremonies and other activities,” Rockoff said. “The Tucson J has a long and proud history of working with individuals with disabilities and this very much fits our core mission.”

A guiding theme at the JCC Maccabi Games® and Access are Jewish principles such as tikkun olam (repairing the world). Every teen involved with the games will also participate in one or more social action projects including gifting supplies to the Play Zone at Diamond Children’s Medical Center at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson.

“To create a way for kids around the continent to engage with anchor organizations that mean so much to our community and do projects that remain here in Tucson to benefit the community is another thing we are really proud to facilitate,” Rockoff said.

The games also highlight the rich 70-year history of the Tucson JCC and its ongoing efforts to promote partnership with businesses and corporations, nonprofits and all members of the community.

“We believe the Tucson J is a community asset. We recognize that 60% of our members come from the broader community and the more we can do in allyship with the broader community, the more the Jewish community is seen and valued,” Rockoff said. “We think that doing things that are of benefit not just to us, but to everyone, is one path to have us standing side-to-side and shoulder-to-shoulder with those in our community.”

Ultimately, the JCC Maccabi Games®, like events such as El Tour de Tucson, also showcase Tucson’s strengths as it builds a global reputation as a destination for fitness, recreation and travel.

“Tucson’s world-class facilities and stunning landscapes will be on full display during the Games,” said Holtzman. “But our greatest asset is our community spirit. The support from local businesses, volunteers and families won’t just make the games an unforgettable experience for participants – it will inspire visitors to return to our city again and again.”

JCC Maccabi Games® & Access

When: July 27 through August 1

Volunteers are needed and sponsorships are available. 

Find more information at www.jccmaccabitucson.com 

or call 520-299-3000 ext. 4407

Photo Courtesy JCC Maccabi Games®