Ready, Set, Maccabi! Sign up now as Detroit gets ready to host the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest.

 Next summer, the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit will welcome the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest for the fifth time. Detroit is the only city that has ever hosted the event so many times.

More than 2,000 participants, their families and coaches are expected at the Games, which is the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world. The Games will be chaired by Rick Zussman and Karen Gordon, with Florine Mark and Joel Jacob serving as honorary chairs, and will hold opening ceremonies at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The event is expected to draw 15,000.

Kickoff Meetings for athletes, artists, host families and volunteers will take place
Wednesday, November 13th 7:00pm at the JCC in Oak Park.

Of course, hosting a program for 2,000-plus guests takes a bit of planning. That’s where JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Director Ariella Monson comes in. These days, Monson, a native of Ann Arbor, is busy working to secure 800 host families and the more than 1,000 volunteers needed to make the program a success. “It’s easy and fun to become involved, and volunteers are needed for every aspect of the event,” she said. “When you become a host family, you have the added bonus of getting to know some great kids and really experience the Games & ArtsFest first-hand.”

Sports for this year’s Games include baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, bowling, dance, swimming, table tennis and tennis. And while Detroit is a seasoned host when it comes to sports, 2014 will mark the first time the city will welcome the ArtsFest. “The ArtsFest is a great addition to the event,” said JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Assistant Director Rebecca Hoffheimer, “there really is something for every talent.” ArtsFest includes: acting/improve, culinary arts, vocal music/glee, dance, forensics, orchestra, musical theater, rock band, star reporter and visual arts.

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KICKOFF MEETINGS for athletes, artists, host families and volunteers will take place
Wednesday, November 13th 7:00pm at the Jewish Community Center 15110 West 10 Mile Road, Oak Park.

TRYOUTS for those interested in participating in the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest will be held in December and January. For dates and times, please visit www.2014detroit.org or contact Franci Silver, 2014 local delegation head, at soccerrcoach@gmail.com or 248.505.9007.