The 2026 JCC Maccabi Games have officially come to a close following a successful week hosted by Kansas City.

Athletes, coaches, volunteers, host families and community members came together to create an unforgettable experience rooted in sportsmanship, hospitality and Jewish community.

Volunteers stepped up in extraordinary numbers to support the Games. Through their time, energy and enthusiasm, they provided athletes, coaches and visitors with an unforgettable week filled with unmatched hospitality and meaningful experiences.

A 60-person steering committee helped lead the extensive planning and coordination required to bring the Games to Kansas City. Altogether, 625 volunteers supported the Games, filling 1,135 shifts throughout the week and contributing a combined 6,430 hours to the Games.

The 2026 JCC Maccabi Games brought together athletes from across the United States and around the world for a week of competition, connection and cultural exchange. Kansas City welcomed participants from dozens of delegations, while local athletes, sister city partners and generous host families helped make this one of the most memorable Games in the community’s history.

  • A total of 925 athletes participated in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games.
  • The Games welcomed 35 delegations.
  • Participants represented seven different countries.
  • The Kansas City delegation included 114 athletes, making it the largest Kansas City delegation in JCC Maccabi history.
  • An additional 36 athletes participated through sister city delegations representing Gezer, Romania and Bulgaria.
  • Host families provided 815 beds in nearly 300 homes.

Delegations traveled thousands of miles to participate in the Games, bringing athletes from communities across the United States and around the world to Kansas City.

  • Israel was the farthest delegation to travel to the Games, traveling to Kansas City from Tel Aviv — approximately 6,450 miles.
  • The Kyiv, Ukraine, delegation traveled approximately 5,950 miles.
  • The Bucharest, Romania, delegation traveled approximately 5,570 miles.
  • The Sofia, Bulgaria, delegation traveled approximately 5,576 miles.

Preparing meals and refreshments for hundreds of athletes, coaches and volunteers required extensive planning and the support of dedicated community members. Thousands of servings of fruit, snacks, meals and homemade treats helped keep participants nourished and energized throughout the week.

  • More than 4,000 pounds of assorted fruit were ordered to accompany meals served during the Games.
  • Organizers purchased 35,319 individually packaged kosher snacks that were free of nuts to fuel athletes and coaches while keeping volunteers energized.
  • Organizers secured 8,000 plates for meal service.
  • An additional 6,100 clamshell containers were ordered.
  • A total of 12,000 cutlery kits were used to support dining operations.
  • Bluhawk received the largest snack allocation, with 7,300 snacks based on the number of athletes competing at the venue.
  • A total of 171 volunteers helped serve four lunches and four dinners at locations outside the primary venue while also monitoring snacks at athletic venues.
  • Community members baked 2,000 homemade chocolate chip cookies for inclusion in Welcome Hospitality Goodie Bags.

The J KC extends its gratitude to the athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, community partners and supporters who made the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games possible.