Enjoying the pool after practice are Maccabi athletes (from left), Marielle Austin, Ashtyn Golde, Aly Heier, Samantha Susson, Billy Balton, Alex Edelman, and Randi Stecki. Seventy eight teen athletes and 13 arts oriented teens representing the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill will participate in the JCC Association Maccabi Games and ArtsFest. The Games, now in their 26th year, offer an athletic, cultural, and social experience for Jewish youth. ArtsFest, entering its third year, celebrates Jewish teens who have a passion for the arts.

The South Jersey Maccabi teams are scheduled to play in Akron, Ohio on Aug. 10-15 and in Detroit on August 17-22. Akron & Detroit are two of three North American cities chosen to host this year's games that feature over 4,000 athletes.

According to Emily Lieberman, Katz JCC Sports & Leagues Coordinator and Detroit delegation head, over 150 area teens attended try outs last February. "The Maccabi Games are more than just a sporting event," said Lieberman. "Our athletes meet new Jewish friends from across the US and around the world."

Tennis, boys basketball, girls basketball, baseball and swimming teams from New Jersey will head for Detroit. Akron-bound will be girls soccer, boys soccer and bowling.

The teens will be the guests of host families who open their homes each year to Jewish teens from well over 100 communities in the United States, Canada, Israel, Great Britain, Mexico, and Australia. Events take place at local Jewish Community Centers, public and private schools, and colleges, with professional sports arenas typically used for the opening and closing ceremonies and other major events.

"The Maccabi program has grown tremendously over the years and is truly a once in a life time opportunity for these teens," said Rob Kiewe, Katz JCC director of Health and Wellness. "Ultimately, the Maccabi experience is about instilling important Jewish values and memories that will serve these young athletes for a lifetime."

The Games will include a "Day of Caring/Day of Sharing" when delegations from all over work together on volunteer projects that benefit the local host community.

The ArtsFest will see 13 South Jersey teens travel to Minneapolis. More than 400 Jewish teens will participate in the cultural program, some in Fairfax, VA. South Jersey teens will express themselves through the visual arts, dance, musical theater, digital photography, and rock music. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest, connects young people entering grades 8-12 with a shared passion for the arts.

"What makes Maccabi ArtsFest special is "these teens get to showcase their artistic talent while being able to collaborate with other Jewish teens from around the world," according to Laura Nadler JCC Coordinator of the JCC Children and Family Department and ArtsFest Delegation head

For more information about the Games and ArtsFest go to the Katz JCC website at www.katzjcc.org or contact Rob Kiewe, Health & Wellness Director at 424-444, Ext. 137. .