They said it couldn’t be done. It could never happen here. We’re too small. We don’t have the space. We don’t have the manpower to make it happen. We’ll never pull it off!
Guess what? In the year 2001, history was made. We did it! By all standards, the JCC 2001 Maccabi Games by far exceeded all expectations. After years of wishful thinking and hoping somehow we could wrangle it, the JCCs of Greater Monmouth and Western Monmouth Counties and the Sephardic Community Center of Brooklyn stepped up to host the games.
The J had been planning to host the 2003 Maccabi games. But in September 2000, one of the 2001 host centers canceled and the Jewish Community Center Association asked if we would host the summer 2001 games. Despite it being two full years earlier than our plan, and in the middle of a major building expansion, we graciously said yes.
The J was starting way behind the 2001 host centers. We forged ahead and persevered with optimism. Frustrations, setbacks and missed deadlines were all enough to cause despair. But because of the diligence, guidance, financial support, and plain hard work of many dedicated people—we made it happen. The week of the games will long be remembered as “the week that was” by the entire Jersey Shore Jewish community and all the participants of the 2001 games.
Under the able leadership and guidance of president Donald Epstein, Executive Director Jess Levy, the steering committee, the dedicated chairpersons, Maccabi staff and countless volunteers, the goal was reached. “I think I can” became the mantra to success. The excitement began to build as the buses started to arrive Sunday morning, August 19th. Host families met their visiting athletes and visiting families were welcomed to the JCC. Schedules and directions were given out. The feeling of friendship and fun spread immediately. It was the start of an incredible event!
Sunday evening opening ceremonies were exhilarating. Many thanks go to the evening’s masters of ceremonies, Judi Franco and Hy Azar, and our committee headed by Jeanne Epstein, Samantha Harary and Toni Zaro. The Olympic feeling hung in the air as the delegations marched in to the cheers of the crowd, the national anthems were sung, athletic oaths taken, and the Maccabi torch lit. A solemn memorial to the Munich 11 reminded us that the world remains imperfect and as Jews, we are obligated to make it a better place. The evening was topped off by entertainment by Antigravity, a performance troupe, whose combination of athletic acrobatics and the artistic rhythms of music made for a sensational show.
The games began bright and early Monday morning and continued throughout the week, till Thursday’s final competitions. The athletes dispersed to their assigned venues based upon their chosen sports. The JCC served as the main hub station, Maccabi Central, where registration, arrival and departures, hospitality, main cafeteria, transportation and medical needs were met.
Some of the other venues were Brookdale Community College, Monmouth University, Hollywood Golf Club, and Hillel Yeshivah. Sports included baseball, basketball for boys and girls, soccer for boys and girls, swimming, in-line hockey, bowling, volleyball and even a dance competition.
Time out from the games was taken on Tuesday afternoon for a Day of Caring and Sharing. Athletes met with the community. Our guests included children with special needs, senior citizens, junior Maccabi athletes, Holocaust survivors, and Jewish war veterans. Everyone realized that just as in the sports arena, where you are rewarded when you give a total effort, when you give of yourself to others, there is also a great sense of winning and accomplishment.
The evenings were the time for everyone to let his or her hair down and let loose in a more relaxed social setting. All events were planned to perfection. Many thanks to Joyce and Jack Kassin, who provided the beach for the Monday night beach party. Music and DJs, dancers and barbecue created the perfect atmosphere for social mixing. Tuesday evening was host family night when host families and their visitors had a chance to get to know one another. Wednesday evening the athletes boarded the buses and headed off to Great Adventure. Finally, Thursday evening was a night of victory celebration. At the games’ closing ceremonies, awards and medals were given out, and the torch was passed to next year’s hosts.
Friday morning, exhausted and weary from activity, the athletes exchanged numbers and e-mail addresses, some tearfully, and waved goodbye to their new friends from other towns, cities and countries. Memories made and shared, the last bus pulled away. A collective sigh of relief could be heard from miles around.
After all the hard work, meetings and planning, the gang that couldn’t—did. For every athlete and for our entire community, we conducted the games that couldn’t be done. And did them in superb fashion. It was an accomplishment each and every one of us should feel a great sense of pride in. The memories for both guests and hosts will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone whose generosity of time, financial support, leadership and extreme dedication made the week of wonderment happen.
