How will my child get to the Games?
The Chicago delegation will travel together to and from the Maccabi Games. The Delegation Head will provide group travel information at the spring orientation meetings, usually held in April.
How will the athletes be transported once at the Games?
At the Maccabi Games there will be a bus system for all athletes and coaches which takes them to ALL Maccabi venues (athletic venues, the hub, and evening activities). They will be able to use the transportation system to visit venues other than those for their sport to watch their friends and fellow delegation members compete. Most buses run every 15 minutes. Coaches will coordinate with their athletes to ensure athletes arrive to games on time.
Will visiting families (spectators) be able to use athlete transportation?
No. Spectators must provide their own transportation while at the Games.
Who has permission to transport my child during the Games?
Only host family members and Chicago’s Delegation Head may transport your child during the games, in addition to the buses provided. Visiting spectators, including parents, are NOT allowed to transport participants at any time during the Maccabi Games.
Where does my child stay at the Maccabi Games?
At the San Diego Games, all athletes and artists will be housed in host families. Groups of 2-4 Chicago participants stay in 1 host home.
At the Campus Games at Pace University, all athletes will be housed in campus dorms with other participants from the Chicago delegation.
Should athletes bring gifts for their host families?
Athletes are encouraged to bring gifts for their host families. Hosts are extending themselves for an entire week and will appreciate an inexpensive thank you. Suggested gifts include gift certificates to places such as Starbucks or a unique gift from your city.
What meals and assistance, such as laundry, can the athletes expect from their hosts?
Breakfast and some dinners will be provided by the host family. Laundry facilities will be provided, but athletes are expected to do their own laundry when needed. Host families will also provide transportation when needed.
What are the sleeping accommodations that we can expect for athletes?
Each host family is asked to provide athletes with separate and reasonable sleeping accommodations.
When will we be contacted by our host families?
Host families will contact athletes and their families to introduce themselves several days before the Games. If you are not contacted by your host family, please inform your delegation head. Do not contact the host community directly.
What if an athlete is not happy with his/her host family?
Changes in host families will not be made unless the safety or security of an athlete is of concern, or there is a medical condition such as an allergy or dietary issue.
How are host families selected?
Each host city has developed a screening process they use for selecting appropriate host families. Most families are sought out from the local JCC, local synagogues/temples and Jewish groups/organizations. In addition, each local athlete MUST house at least two athletes in order to participate in the Games. Although the process may be somewhat different from city to city, all host families are researched to ensure the athlete’s safety and well being.
Are meals included in our registration fee?
Yes. All meals and snacks are included in the athlete’s registration fee.
What meals do host families provide?
Most host families will provide dinner to athletes before they attend Opening Ceremonies and on Host Family Night. They also provide breakfast each morning.
Do the host families serve kosher food?
Kosher homes are available upon request. However, you must specify a kosher home when registering online. In some communities, there is a limited supply of strictly kosher homes, so please register for a kosher home only if the athlete eats only strictly kosher food. Various levels of kashrut may be requested via the online registration process.
Is there a variety of food served each day?
All host cities work with their food and teen committees to create an appealing and varied menu for the week. Meals are healthy and promote a well-balanced diet.
Are there drinks and snacks provided for the athletes during the day?
Yes. Snacks and drinks are provided for athletes and coaches at most venues throughout the day. Spectators are responsible for their own food and drinks.
Is there food available for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. All host cities provide both vegetarian and vegan options at each meal.
Is the food at the Games kosher?
All Games are required to provide kosher meals, snacks and drinks. The level of kashrut may vary from community to community. Please discuss any concerns with your local delegation head.
