During this inspirational time of athleticism in the Olympics for the United States and the world, two athletes from Boulder will be competing with over 1,000 teenagers in the 30^th annual JCC Maccabi Games in Houston, Texas. Sam Garelick and Graham Gansar comprise the first ever Boulder Delegation and will participate in the five-day sports extravaganza beginning with the opening ceremonies on Sunday, August 5^th.

These two incredible stars bring 5 years of collective JCC Maccabi Games experience to Houston. Both athletes got their start in the JCC Maccabi Games when Denver hosted the Games in 2010. This year marks Graham’s third year participating and Sam’s second. Sam and Graham will join mixed delegation teams to compete in soccer and baseball, respectively. These teams will have participants from eight communities around the country including: Cincinnati, Denver, Las Vegas, Orange County, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Diego, and St. Paul.

During their time in Houston, the athletes will be hosted by members of the Houston Jewish community. In an incredible turn of events, both will stay with the family that the Gansar family hosted two years ago when Denver hosted the Games. As the Boulder JCC Assistant Executive Director, I will serve as the Delegation Head in Houston and will provide frequent updates to our community.

The JCC Maccabi Games consist of four days of competition and one day of volunteering in the Houston community through the JCC Cares program. Next week, look for updates on the BJCC website and the Boulder JCC Facebook page.

The Boulder JCC hopes to have an even larger delegation at the 2013 Maccabi Games. If you are an athlete ages 14-16 who wants to learn more about the Maccabi Games and accompanying Maccabi ArtsFest, email Mark Megibow, Boulder JCC J-Teen Director at jteen@boulderjcc.org.