When hundreds of Jewish teens from across North America and around the world arrive in Kansas City for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, one group will have the unique honor of competing on its home turf.
This summer, Team Kansas City will have its largest delegation in program history, bringing together athletes, coaches and volunteers who will not only compete but also welcome visiting delegations to the Heartland.
For Co-Delegation Heads Maggie Osgood Nicholls and Ilan Lakritz, building this year’s delegation has been about much more than filling team rosters. As full-time staff members in The J’s Arts & Culture and Fitness, Sports and Athletics departments, they have worked to build a welcoming community of athletes, volunteers, families and supporters.
“I love hearing about what people are proud of when it comes to Kansas City,” Osgood Nicholls said. “This is the largest delegation Kansas City has ever had, and I am very proud to have a number of Maccabi alumni serving as coaches for the Games this year. It just goes to show how much Maccabi means to people.”
Osgood Nicholls is especially excited about Kansas City’s largest ever dance delegation. “We’re going to put dance on the map,” she said.
Lakritz said one of the most rewarding parts of preparing for the Games has been seeing the community rally around the athletes.
“My favorite part has been getting acquainted with so many people who were once just familiar faces around The J and are now colleagues and partners in a shared mission,” Lakritz said. “It’s been rewarding to build new relationships while working together toward something that will have such a meaningful impact on our community and our teens.”
Recruiting athletes and volunteer coaches has been a community-wide effort. That effort has resulted in Kansas City’s largest delegation to date, made possible by strong support from the community. Lakritz said the unique experience of the JCC Maccabi Games continues to draw athletes and families year after year.
“One of the great things about Maccabi is that it truly has something to offer every teen,” Lakritz said. “Many of our coaches also have personal connections to Maccabi as former athletes, coaches or parents. They volunteer because they want to create those same opportunities and memories for the next generation.”
For returning athlete Evan Schlozman, who will compete in the Boys 15U Basketball division, the experience extends far beyond the court.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, hosting athletes, competing against other Jewish athletes and, hopefully, winning a gold medal,” Schlozman said.
Many athletes like Schlozman look forward to making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Those memories begin at the Opening Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, where Team Kansas City will proudly march alongside 32 delegations from across North America and around the world in front of family, friends and the community.
All attendees interested in joining the Opening Ceremony festivities must register through RegPack by July 27. Community members who are not already registered as volunteers or host families and wish to attend only the ceremony may register as Spectators. Registration is available at jccmaccabikc.org. Additional event and location details will be provided upon registration
“Outside of the Games themselves, this is the moment when the Kansas City delegation is cheered and celebrated by their families and the local community,” said Tammy Ruder, Opening Ceremony producer. “Seeing our hometown athletes march in representing the Jewish community of Kansas City creates memories that last a lifetime.”
Community members are encouraged to attend and support the athletes as they begin an unforgettable week of competition, friendship and Jewish pride. Questions can be directed to Tammy Ruder, JCC Maccabi Opening Ceremony producer, at or (913) 981-8878.
