Uniting the Jewish community through sport
Mayor Del Duca establishes Sub-Committee in support of the JCC Maccabi Games
This summer, Vaughan will take centre stage as host city of the JCC Maccabi Games – the largest Jewish youth sporting event in the world.
With more than 20,000 athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and spectators from across North America headed our way for a week of Olympic-style competition and cultural celebration, Mayor Steven Del Duca has issued a Mayoral Decision (PDF) to establish a JCC Maccabi Games Sub-Committee to ensure it’s a huge success! Chaired by Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow and Vice-Chaired by Ward 4 Councillor Chris Ainsworth, this Sub-Committee will help Council and City of Vaughan staff co-ordinate the needed support and logistics with the games’ organizers.
The Toronto Prosserman JCC and Vaughan’s Schwartz/Reisman Centre, both non-profit organizations, announced that Toronto will host the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, with competitions occurring across Vaughan, including at City venues, from Sunday, Aug. 2 to Friday, Aug. 7. City staff have been actively engaged with the organizers to identify facilities to use for the competitions.
The Council-approved Vaughan Destination Master Plan (PDF) identifies the critical importance that both sport and cultural tourism initiatives – like the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games – play in shaping Vaughan’s growing tourism market, creating a ripple effect of economic development opportunities, including demand for local hotels, dining establishments and more.
QUOTES
“Vaughan is home to an incredible community of sports fans, and we proudly support and champion opportunities for friendly competition, like the JCC Maccabi Games, that bring people together. But beyond medals and match scores, the games represent something deeper – a celebration of Jewish identity, resilience and unity. The establishment of this Sub-Committee will help ensure the games are a huge success, not only for the athletes but for the city as well. Even after the final whistle blows, we remain committed to offering recreation opportunities that support health, wellness and community connection. I want to thank Councillors Gila Martow and Chris Ainsworth for leading this Sub-Committee and helping to showcase Vaughan as a destination of choice to a global audience. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the games in August.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“This summer, Vaughan will be home to the largest Jewish youth sporting event in the world, and I am honoured to be selected as Chair of the new JCC Maccabi Games Sub-Committee that will help make them a success. We have one of the largest Jewish communities outside Israel, and we greatly value the many ways they strengthen our city. The JCC Maccabi Games are a wonderful example of how we continue to bring people together while celebrating Vaughan’s Jewish heritage and a shared passion for sports. I want to thank Mayor Steven Del Duca for his leadership and his unwavering dedication to the success of these games.”
- Councillor Gila Martow, Ward 5
“I am pleased to support the JCC Maccabi Games here in Vaughan this summer. I want to thank Mayor Steven Del Duca for appointing me Vice-Chair this Sub-Committee, giving me the opportunity to work closely with the organizers to make these games an unforgettable experience for everyone. Vaughan is a standout destination, and these games will bring thousands of people from all over the world to experience our city while enjoying the games. I hope every visitor takes time to discover the unique experiences that make Vaughan such a special place.”
- Councillor Chris Ainsworth, Ward 4
QUICK FACTS
- The City passed a Members’ Resolution at the Committee of the Whole on Dec. 3, 2024 officially welcoming the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games and committing to collaborating with the organizers to ensure the successful delivery of the games.
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