Toronto 
Toronto will take centre stage this summer as it hosts a major international youth sporting event with a strong sense of purpose.
Credit: JCC Maccabi Games
From August 2 to 7, more than 2,000 teenage athletes will arrive for the JCC Maccabi Games 2026, described as the largest Jewish youth sporting event in the world. Competitors from across North America will take part in Olympic-style events ranging from basketball and soccer to swimming and volleyball.
But organizers say this year carries added weight. Against a backdrop of rising antisemitism and violence in the Greater Toronto Area, the Games are being framed as a moment of pride and connection for Jewish youth.
Andrew Levy, CEO of the Schwartz/Reisman Centre and Prosserman JCC, points to that broader purpose. He describes the event as more than competition, calling it a chance to strengthen global ties and offer a sense of unity at a difficult time.
Organizers expect more than 20,000 people, including athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers, to travel from North America, South America, Europe, and Israel.
An inclusive program, known as JCC Maccabi Access, is also part of the Games. It is designed to support neurodivergent Jewish teens and young adults, ensuring they can fully participate through tailored programming.
There is also a strong local element. About 650 families have already signed up to host visiting athletes, with a goal of reaching 1,500 households. The idea is simple: give participants a place to stay while building personal connections across borders.
So far, more than 400 Toronto youth have registered to compete, moving toward a target of 500 as the city gets ready for August.
