The Maccabiah Games are known as the Jewish Olympics.  They are held in Israel every four years. Over 80 countries from around the world send delegations to take part in the Maccabiah games, making it the third largest sporting event in the world.

The 21^st Maccabiah will take place in Israel July 12-26, 2022*
Opening Ceremonies are set to take place July 14, 2022* 
Closing Ceremonies are set to take place July 25, 2022*
*Subject to change, more details to follow

There are three age categories at the Games: Junior, Open and Masters. In all categories athletes can play-up (i.e. play in an older age category) but cannot play down. Some sports are only offered in the Open category, in these cases Junior and Masters age athletes who wish to compete in these sports and qualify, are included in the Open competition.

Junior – Juniors are athletes 18 years of age and under as of December 31, 2022 (birth years for junior athletes for the 21st Maccabiah Games are athletes born between 2004-2007 or later). The minimum age to participate in the Games is 15 years old for most sports. In some sports such as Gymnastics and Swimming, and in some cases such as exceptionally talented athletes, an exception can be made to allow younger athletes to compete. The decision to allow a younger athlete to participate in the Games is at the discretion of Maccabi Canada, and must be approved by the organizing committee in Israel. Some Junior age athletes may be selected to play on an Open team***.

Junior Category is divided into two age divisions for most team sports**:

U16 – athletes born between 2006-2007 or later

U18 – athletes born between 2004-2005

**Swimming will have only one age group per gender:

Boys: born between 2006-2008

Girls: Born between 2006-2009

**Gymnastics (Artistic & Rhythmic) will have only one age group per gender:

Boys: born between 2004-2007

Girls born between 2007-2009

Open - The Open competition is the main event at the Games. Open athletes are 19 years and older; born in 2003 and prior at the time of the Games. This age category is for high level athletes who have qualified to make the teams. Generally, the Open category consists of athletes who are in their 20’s and in some cases may include talented Junior and Masters age athletes.

Masters – Masters athletes 35 years and older (unless otherwise stated); born in 1987 and prior at the Games (Hockey Masters are 40+, Golf masters are 50+). Within the Masters tournament many sports are divided into sub-categories based on age. Masters athletes may enjoy some privileges not offered to Open and Junior athletes such as making their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Some Masters age athletes may qualify and be selected to play on an Open team***.

***Junior and Masters age athletes who have qualified and been selected to participate in an Open sport are considered Open athletes and will be governed by the Open policies.

All athletes must complete the athlete application. To apply click HERE

Yes, athletes can apply and tryout for more than one sport. However, the athlete must complete a separate application for each sport they are interested in trying out for. If selected for multiple teams / sports, the athlete will have to choose which team / sport they would like to compete in as athletes are only allowed to compete in one sport.

Each Head Coach and/or Manager for a specific team/sport will inform all athletes who have applied how the team is being selected.
For sports where tryouts are being held the tryouts dates have not been confirmed at this time.
You can view the tryout information HERE.

For the list of sports click HERE.

To be part of the Canadian Delegation you must meet the following 3 requirements:
1. Provide proof of Canadian citizenship and/or has lived in Canada for a minimum of 6 consecutive months in the year of the games.
2. You must be Jewish to be eligible.  See Jewish eligibility criteria below.
3. You must meet requirements relevant to the sport for which you are nominating. For more information about standards and qualifications for each sport click HERE.

Jewish Eligibility Criteria:
For the purpose of the Maccabiah Games an athlete is considered Jewish if:
(a) At least one of the athlete’s parents is Jewish or is raised by at least one Jewish parent
(b) The athlete does not actively practice another religion besides Judaism OR the athlete has converted to Judaism by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism.  Each athlete must be willing to sign a document stating they are Jewish and be able to produce statements from two individuals (who are not family members) that can confirm they are Jewish by the eligibility qualifications listed above.

* For questions regarding Jewish eligibility qualifications, or if you believe that you have a unique situation that is not captured in our Jewish eligibility criteria above but deem you may be eligible, please contact Lee Mes, Executive Director, at lee@maccabicanada.com

*If you have any questions regarding the sports standard eligibility qualifications please contact Ashley Kochman, National Athletic Director, at ashley@maccabicanada.com.

The athlete participation fees for the 21st Maccabiah Games are not confirmed at this time.

Athlete Fees includes:
Training camps/practices with the team prior to departure
Clothing package
Competition uniform
Round trip airfare from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Tel Aviv
Accommodations
Transportation to competition venues and social events
Security
Medical care
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (Masters – breakfast and dinner only)
Competition entry
Opening and Closing ceremony participation
Day trips during the Games
Maccabi World Union accredited delegate’s participation fees

All athletes must complete the athlete application. To apply click HERE.

Prior to the pandemic, Maccabi Canada had filled the majority of our staff positions for the coming Games. At the current time we continue to have vacancies for select roles, see the staff application for available positions.

Staff Applications for all remaining vacant roles will close March 1, 2021 at which point we will review all applications and will contact you with further information. Only on-line submitted applications will be reviewed and ONLY those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information please contact Ashley Kochman, National Athletic Director, at ashley@maccabicanada.com

Supporter Policies

Maccabi Canada offers a variety of services for family members and/or Maccabi enthusiasts traveling to Israel for the Maccabiah Games, and are not an official member of the delegation.  People choosing to use one or more of these services are considered supporters.

Supporter services may:

• A seat on the delegation official flight – subject to availability
• Supporter package (available to families of Masters age athletes and Masters staff only)
• Executive package (Maccabi Canada staff who have no official role at the Games, and their families)
• Products & Services (may include: ceremony tickets, insurance, phone, clothing)

Maccabi World Union, and/or Maccabi Canada will NOT be held responsible for any travel and/or accommodation arrangements not purchased from the Maccabi Canada head office or as a part of the athlete package.

We strongly advise that all supporters purchase cancellation insurance.

The initial $40 tryout applicaiton fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

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