From August 3 to 10, Maccabi GB sent a 70-strong delegation comprising 56 athletes and 14 management staff to the JCC Maccabi Campus Games in Pittsburgh. The team competed across a wide range of sports: U15 boys football (with two squads), U15 boys basketball, U17 boys basketball, tennis, dance, swimming, track and field, and the Star Reporter competition.
It was a record-breaking year for Team GB, who brought home an impressive 44 medals – 27 golds, 11 silvers and 6 bronzes.
Team Maccabi GB marching out at the Opening Ceremony[Missing Credit]
Among these were two very special Gold Yellow Ribbon medals, awarded in honour of the hostages still being held in Gaza. The Yellow Ribbon recognises not only sporting excellence, but also exceptional sportsmanship and character.
The Team Yellow Ribbon medal went to our U15 Boys’ Blue football team, who were winners of their tournament. The award was presented to Noah Landau in recognition of his outstanding contribution and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the competition. Coach Ali Chin praised his players. “I was so inspired by the players’ dedication and commitment to winning, and to representing Maccabi GB with pride,” he said.
U15 Boys Football Team – Gold Medal Winners[Missing Credit]
The Individual Yellow Ribbon medal was awarded to Lila Bluston (track & field), who displayed extraordinary sportsmanship by giving her own gold medal to another athlete who had been injured and was unable to compete.
Alongside the sporting action, the delegation spent a memorable Shabbat weekend at the Emma Kaufmann Camp. Friday night was marked with a moving service, followed by dinner and Shabbat games. On Saturday, the group enjoyed Havdallah and toasted marshmallows around the fire pit. The camp’s facilities were outstanding, with zip lines, a lake with inflatables, three swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, and even pickleball courts – a perfect ending to the trip.
Reflecting on the experience, Sass Elias (U15 Boys’ Blue football) said: “Last year we only really got to know our own team.
The Team Maccabi GB Delegation[Missing Credit]
“This year, being on the university campus meant we were all together as one delegation and got to know so many more people.”
The Games also featured Midot Medals, which recognise athletes who embody the JCC’s six core values: respect, honesty, charity and social justice, community, role modelling, kindness, and fair play.
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