500+ Capital Region Maccabi Games Athletes Welcomed To Albany 

August 25, 2017

Photo credit: Michael Koff, Altamont Enterprise

The ending of a torch-relay began the opening ceremonies at the Times Union Center to kick off an Olympic-style sporting competition for Jewish teenagers, 13 to 16 years old. Held each summer in North America, the Maccabi Games are the second largest organized sports program for Jewish youth in the world.

As part of the competition’s opening ceremonies, downtown Albany was host to more than 500 athletes with their families—from around the world—the week-long event was held across the Region. U.S. teams came from along the East Coast and as far away as Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, international teams representing Israel, Canada and Mexico also convened for the Capital Region Games. Supported in part by the Amplify Albany Grant Program, after enjoying the Games’ opening ceremonies hundreds had the chance to explore Albany’s architecture, retail, restaurants and attractions for the first time. 

Acting on Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan recommendations the Amplify Albany and Downtown Albany Retail grant programs were made possible by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation. Amplify Albany has brought thousands of event goers to new or expanded events in downtown Albany and commercial districts throughout the City. Grant program applications and more information is available here.