Access Games

In 2022, JCC Association of North America proudly launched JCC Maccabi Access, a JCC Maccabi Games® experience for Jewish athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Access athletes, with one-to-one support, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games®, including both unified and specialized activities, athletic competition and skills development. This program offers an inclusive and meaningful way for Access athletes to join thousands of their Jewish peers from around the world in experiencing the magic of JCC Maccabi®. It also provides JCCs with opportunities to develop and strengthen ongoing programs for these teens and their families' local communities.

In 2023, JCC Association of North America and the David Posnack JCC invited 21 Jewish teens and young adults (ages 12-22) with intellectual and development disabilities to participate in JCC Maccabi® Access Year 2 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from August 6-9, 2023. 

The 2024 Games marked the evolution of the JCC Maccabi Access pilot from an experimental component to a regular feature at every set of the Games. The three-year pilot has been a successful expansion of the JCC Maccabi experience, involving nearly 50 participants thus far, and continues to develop a strong foundation to be built upon for years to come.  

Access athletes have an opportunity to participate in an extended three-and-a-half day program as part of the JCC Maccabi Games®. To ensure athletes and their families successfully integrate into the JCC Maccabi Games® and activities, JCC Association will offer ways for the athletes to connect with their delegation and meet other Access participants prior to the Games.

Access athletes’ JCC Maccabi® experience include both unified and specialized activities:

• Opening Ceremony 
• Athletic competition and skill development 
• Hangtime (Israel programming) 
• JCC Cares community service
• Exploration of the 6 JCC Maccabi Midot Values
• Social Activities
• Closing Ceremony

For more information and participant criteria for being an Access Athlete with Team Fort Lauderdale in 2025, contact Debra Lombard 954.434.0499 ext. 1111 or email dlombard@dpjcc.org

Experience the energy and spirit of the 2024 JCC Maccabi Games® 
Catch all the action in the Recap Video!