From July 27 through August 1, the Tucson J hosted the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games and Access, the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event, gathering hundreds of Jewish teen athletes from around the globe, and generating over $4 million in economic impact for metropolitan Tucson.
During the exciting week of athletics, community service, and friendship, local news agencies from around Tucson highlighted meaningful aspects of the Games, including Access athletes, Opening Ceremonies, the host family experience, and so much more!
Check out the stories below to learn more about the Games:
Disabled teens, young adults compete in Tucson’s JCC Maccabi Games
July 27, 2025
13 News explored JCC Maccabi Access Games, the first year, outside of the pilot program, that teens and young adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities were able to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games!
2025 JCC Maccabi Games kick off with opening ceremony in Tucson
July 28, 2025
To celebrate the beginning of the Games, local sports reporter Jenna Fink stopped by the Opening Ceremonies at the Tucson Convention Center.
Jewish teen athletes converge in Tucson for Olympic-style games
July 28, 2025
Todd Rockoff, the President and CEO of the Tucson J, shares what can be expected through the week of the Games.
Jewish families host hundreds of teens from around the world for Maccabi Games
July 29, 2025
More than 400 of the visiting JCC Maccabi athletes were hosted by local families in Tucson. KGUN shared how special this experience can be for both families and athletes.
Maccabi Games Opening Ceremony a High-Energy Spectacle
July 30, 2025
Learn more about the master of ceremonies, DJ, and other speakers at the JCC Maccabi Games Opening Ceremony!
JCC Maccabi Games put Tucson on display, connects teens around the globe
July 30, 2025
Some of the teens from our Tucson delegation share about their experience meeting and competing against other delegations during the Games.
Swimmers Dive Into Friendly Competition at Tucson JCC Maccabi Games
July 31, 2025
At Oro Valley Aquatic Center, JCC Maccabi swimmers exemplified incredible sportsmanship and kindness while building friendships with athletes from all over the world!
Beyond Sports at the Maccabi Games: JCC Cares and Star Reporters
August 1, 2025
Each year, JCC Maccabi athletes participate in JCC Cares service projects. This year, the Games partnered with Ben’s Bells and Youth On Their Own, two Tucson non-profits. Teens can also participate in the Games another way– as a “Star Reporter,” interviewing athletes and covering the competition.
Teenage sports news reporters capture Maccabi Games in the Foothills
August 4, 2025
Reporter Andrew Christiansen of KGUN, explored the Star Reporter program, where teens can serve as sports reporters during the Games, and even got to show them some of the tricks of the trade!
Defining Winning at the JCC Maccabi Games and Access
August 6, 2025
Martin Reichgott, the Director of Philanthropy of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center and the Co-Commissioner for Swimming for the Games, reflects on the sportsmanship he witnessed during the week.
