More Than Just Sport - EMYG, London, 2024
Building Connections, Strengthening Jewish Identity, and Inspiring the Next Generation: Young Maccabi representatives from 14 countries came together in the United Kingdom for a week of unity and sportsmanship.
- 15 August, 2024
The participants from Austria, Argentina, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Israel, South Africa, Slovakia, Sweden, and the USA competed in basketball (U16/ U18 boys), football (boys U16 / U18 and girls U18), futsal (boys), field hockey (girls), tennis (girls and boys), and table tennis (girls and boys).
The 65-member Israeli delegation excelled, with highlights including a silver medal for the U18 girls' basketball team from Kiryat Yam, a bronze medal for the U18 boys' team from the Leo Baeck Basketball Academy in Haifa, which included athletes with special educational needs, and great participation from a U16 boys' football team from Ofakim, one of the communities affected by the October 7, which was financially supported by Maccabi GB and Maccabi Israel.
“We live in times when community is more than just a token word, but a part of what creates the resilience of the Jewish people, in Israel and the diaspora,” Amir Gissin, CEO of Maccabi World Union.
In light of recent events in Israel, each delegation honored an October 7th hostage on their jerseys and flags. The opening ceremony was particularly moving, with the Israeli delegation receiving a warm embrace from all participants.
A poignant Kabbalat Shabbat included a display of an empty table with a yellow tablecloth and two huge challahs in the shape of yellow ribbons adorned with the shirts of the hostages. The exciting Havdalah ritual was led by Rabbi Carlos Tapiero accompanied by guitar music. “I’m not the most observant person in the world'', said James Sack, 15, from Essex. “It was my first Shabbat ever, and it was excellent".
The event was organized to the highest standards, featuring robust security, convenient traffic arrangements, and a full schedule, including a bus tour of Covent Garden and Camden Market, a lecture by the Anti-Defamation League, a talk given by guest speaker IDF reserve soldier Shahar Peled, and a special headphone party.
“The Maccabi Youth Games play a role in strengthening this resilience, as well as in emphasizing the mind-body-spirit connection that is integral to the development of the young athlete and the young Jew", Amir Gissin concluded.
Thank you, Maccabi GB, for an unforgettable event!
Watch the concluding video here: https://www.facebook.com/maccabigb/videos/1721807878380857
View the photo gallery from the games: https://www.maccabigb.org/emyg-gallery
Photo by: Jamie Gordon
