Maccabi opening will dazzle

KYLE BERGER

It is the single largest program at the grandest event with which the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV) has ever been involved. Organizers expect the opening ceremonies of the 2006 JCC Maccabi Games in Vancouver to be one of the most glorious, spine-tingling productions the community has ever seen.

More than 6,000 athletes, coaches, delegation heads, host families, spectators, volunteers, dignitaries, sponsors and anyone else who has any interest in the JCC Maccabi Games will pack the Pacific Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. There, they will be part of a ceremony aimed at kicking off the games with as much energy and passion as is expected to be expelled on the playing fields, arenas and gyms throughout the week.

Although Brenda Karp, games director of the JCC Maccabi Games- Vancouver 2006, wanted to keep some of the production a surprise for the audience's eyes only, there are certain mainstay aspects of the night that will make the opening event impressive.

The evening will begin with an Olympic-style parade of athletes, as 1,600 teens from around the world circle the arena delegation by delegation. Team Vancouver – 250 strong – will enter as the final team as the ceremony progresses.

Emceed by local sports broadcaster Shane Foxman, the program will include performances by the Hora Goel and JCCGV Or Chadash dance groups, both sessions of the Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! summer program and the Vancouver Jewish Men's Choir, as well as the lighting of the JCC Maccabi Games torch and a variety of other surprises.

Every JCC Maccabi Games opening ceremonies includes a special tribute to the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches murdered by terrorists in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. This ceremony will be even more appropriate and moving, as the terror level in Israel has escalated in recent weeks.

Karen James, who is serving as the commissioner for the swimming tournament at the games, will speak about her experience representing Canada at the Munich Games.

Karp told the Independent that she hopes everyone in the community makes a point of attending the opening ceremonies, even if they are not directly involved in the games that week.

"Opening ceremonies will mark the kick off of a celebration of community spirit, Jewish youth, sports, family and, of course, fun," she said. "It will be an opportunity to witness the celebration of strong, healthy Jewish youth freely and openly celebrating their bonds, their sportsmanship and their Jewish roots."

The ceremonies will begin a week that will feature four days of intense athletic competition around Greater Vancouver throughout the day, social events at night and a variety of social action projects.

Led by JCC Maccabi Games co-chairs Garry Zlotnik, Mark James and Zev Shafran, more than 1,000 members of the community have stepped up to volunteer for the games. Many are providing beds to the more than 1,300 visiting athletes.

"Right from the start, the community embraced the notion of hosting the games," Karp said. "We stayed the course, we managed the barriers and we found all those beds.

"Maccabi madness is everywhere," she added, "and this passion is about to be translated onto the playing field."

JCCGV executive director Gerry Zipursky said that the games will leave a lasting legacy for the Jewish community of Greater Vancouver.

"What's been absolutely amazing is to see people who have not been actively involved in the community for the past 15-20 years come forward with excitement and enthusiasm to partner in putting on this massive event," he said. "What's also been truly inspiring is to see so many newcomers to our Jewish community stepping up to the plate and supporting the games. Putting these forces together, this is what community building is all about."

Anyone involved with the JCC Maccabi Games must register to receive a credentials placard that will get them into any event, including the opening ceremonies. However, spectators are able to get a special pass just for opening ceremonies if that is all they plan to attend.

For more information or to register, go to www.vancouvermaccabi.org or call 604-257-5147.

Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer living in Richmond. He is co-ordinator of the JCC Maccabi Games' special events committee.

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