About Us

Overview

Summer 2008, San Diego celebrates the JCC Maccabi Games® welcoming over 1,500 Jewish athletes ages twelve to sixteen with their families and friends, more than 1,000 volunteers and 650 host families. This Olympic-style sports competition provides a unique combination of sports, cultural and social activities. From August 3rd through the 8th, delegates from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel, South America, Australia and Europe will test their skills in sporting events and experience a journey far beyond athletic competition- inspired with the values of community involvement, teamwork, integrity and pride.

By using sports as the vehicle, the ultimate mission of the games is to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish values within Jewish teens by enriching their Jewish identity in an informal setting and encouraging their identification with Israel at the same time.

As the proud host of the 2008 JCC Maccabi Games®, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS (JCC) embarks on the largest outreach the San Diego Jewish community has ever done. To prepare for and provide this remarkable experience, the JCC is conducting a $4.275 Million Maccabi Campaign to support the JCC Maccabi Games® activities and much needed JCC improvements, including swimming pool and baseball field turf renovations. These improvements were not touched in the 1998 capital campaign and will significantly enhance the JCC's capabilities as host of the Games.

5 days and nights of recreation, sports and friends. Promoting community involvement, teamwork, integrity, and pride in being Jewish.
400+local athletes, 1100+ visiting athletes and 500+ coaches Participating in 14 sports and activities at favorite San Diego venues.
650+ host families opening their homes Representing the extended family and the value of welcoming the stranger
1000+ local volunteers of all ages Contributing time and effort to ensure a memorable experience.
10,000+ visitors and residents will cheer at the Opening Ceremonies. Setting the tone for the days of competition with music, dance, drama and lights at Cox Arena.
multiple days extraordinary Days of Caring and Sharing
Offering the Tikkun Olam (healing the world) program where athletes join the local community organizations to aid social action projects, teaching the values of caring in their daily lives.
2000+ athletes and special guests will be amazed at a mega-celebration at the one-of-a kind Midway Aircraft Carrier.
$7 million+ generated in the local economy Extending the excitement throughout San Diego.

We are looking for partners to help us spread the word throughout the community that everyone can share the spirit of the Games. Volunteers are needed now to help plan the Games and will be needed every minute of every hour that the Games are here in San Diego, California. Click here to get involved.