Community the biggest winner at SA Maccabi Games

Maccabi South Africa turned the disappointment of not being able to play in the Maccabiah in Israel into a brand-new exciting and inclusive tournament called the Maccabi SA Junior Games. 

Tournament director Darryn Edinburg had this vision after the postponement of the 2025 Maccabiah and the subsequent decision not to send a South African junior delegation to Israel in 2026 because of security concerns and logistical challenges. He recognised that young athletes were left disappointed at missing their chance to compete on the international Jewish sporting stage, so a plan was made. 

Held from 22 to 24 September at King David High School, the Maccabi SA Junior Games brought about 500 young athletes together for three days of competition, camaraderie, and community, allowing them to experience some of the sporting excitement and Jewish connection they would’ve enjoyed at the Maccabiah. 

The programme included soccer, netball, tennis, padel, chess, golf, and dance, across multiple age groups. There were 350 Johannesburg and Cape Town athletes, and invitational teams from Balfour Park, City Ballers, Summerhill, and UF Academy. 

“I pictured a genuine multi-sport Maccabi festival in South Africa. Johannesburg and Cape Town together; team sports and individual sports; serious competition, but also friendship, Jewish identity, belonging, and fun,” said Edinburg. 

“I wanted an opening ceremony, an athletes’ village, social events, medals, and children walking around proudly in their Maccabi colours, feeling that they were part of something bigger than themselves.” 

He explained that this tournament was more open than the official Maccabiah. “You could create your own team with your friends, use a school team, or put together whatever team you wanted. It was competitive, but within a social structure where the kids could enjoy themselves and play with their mates. In Cape Town, for example, many of the players who had wanted to be part of the Maccabi team played together. Generally, it was an opportunity for everyone to compete while still having fun with their friends.” 

Gina Isserow, one of the members of the steering committee from Cape Town and co-chairperson of Maccabi Western Province, said the “85 Cape Town participants competed with enthusiasm and pride, supported by 12 young coaches, most of whom have themselves participated in international Maccabi Games. They returned to give back, motivating, supporting, and inspiring the next generation”. 

For Edinburg, the opening of the tournament was particularly emotional. “For months the Games had existed in meetings, WhatsApps, spreadsheets, lists, and conversations. Suddenly I could look across the field and see children, parents, Johannesburg, Cape Town, our invitational teams, and our community standing together,” he said. 

Isserow explained that the athletes from the Western Cape brought home medals in chess, dance and soccer, in three age groups, and in padel and tennis. But above all, “Cape Town participants were continually recognised for their sportsmanship, respect, and positive spirit, showing that Maccabi is about competing with pride while building a stronger Jewish community”. 

Taylor Garnitz, one of the star tennis players, said, “It was such a privilege to play in the Maccabi Games. It was a fun environment playing with boys and girls of all ages. I’m grateful Maccabi South Africa was able to create this opportunity for the juniors to experience.” 

Yonah Michelson, another young athlete, explained that he’d attended without having a team, but after half an hour was able to join the team. “The players and the coach were very welcoming. I had such fun playing with this team, and they were all so skilled. We had a great two days and it was so amazing that we won our age group. I can’t wait to play Maccabi next year, and a special thank you to Darryn Edinburg for putting such a nice event on,” he said. 

“What I really enjoyed about these Games was how structured the tournament was and also how competitive it was,” said Cape Town soccer player Ethan Copeland. “I felt proud and excited to be part of Maccabi, and it was a great experience that I would do again.” 

Edinburg said, “I hope that a child may have arrived simply wanting to play soccer, netball, padel, or tennis, and left feeling that they had become part of the Maccabi family. When I finally stood there and watched the children enjoying what we had built, every meeting, every phone call, every late night, and every problem suddenly felt worthwhile. Sport was the medium. Community was the purpose.”