In the summer of 2025, the University of Pittsburgh will be hosting the world’s largest in-person Jewish youth sporting event in partnership with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh and the JCC Association of North America. This event, known as the JCC Maccabi Games, has a rich history of engaging over 500,000 people globally over the last four decades. It serves as a powerful opportunity to bring together volunteers, spectators, partners, and sponsors of all ages and interests in a monumental planning process and community-building endeavor.
The University of Pittsburgh is thrilled to be partnering with the local JCC and the continental JCC community to pilot an innovative new model of the JCC Maccabi Games. Chancellor Joan Gabel expressed her excitement, stating that the university looks forward to welcoming athletes and their families to support the Games‘ mission of transforming lives through competition, friendship, community service, and social and cultural engagement.
One of the key features of this year’s Games is the first-of-its-kind campus model that will allow athletes to live, eat, and compete on Pitt’s campus in an Olympic-style atmosphere. This model aims to address capacity constraints that have been a challenge in previous years, with more than 6,000 athletes, coaches, and family members expected to attend. This setup will provide top-notch facilities and a transformative experience for Jewish teen athletes from around the world.
The event will feature a variety of sports and event venues, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to athletic competitions, athletes will also participate in volunteer and community support experiences through JCC Cares, the Games‘ service arm that embodies the value of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. This aspect of the Games highlights the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the community.
Local officials, including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, have expressed their excitement about hosting the Games in their region. They believe that the event will provide an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors, showcasing the rich history and welcoming spirit of the community. Mayor Gainey emphasized the city’s commitment to giving back and supporting the young athletes as they compete and engage in service activities.
The JCC Maccabi Games are a partnership between the JCC Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada, and Maccabi USA. The Office of Business, Hospitality, and Auxiliary Services at the University of Pittsburgh will oversee the planning and execution of the event. For more information and coverage of the Games, interested individuals can refer to TribLive, Pittsburgh Business Times, and the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.
Overall, the upcoming JCC Maccabi Games at the University of Pittsburgh promise to be a transformative and memorable experience for all participants. With a focus on competition, friendship, community service, and cultural engagement, the Games will bring together Jewish youth from around the world in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. It is an event that not only celebrates athletic achievement but also emphasizes the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the community.