Albany, NY - The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the athletes, families, volunteers, and spectators for the 2017 Capital Region JCC Maccabi Games.

The Maccabi Games is the third largest sporting event in the world, and the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers worldwide, according to event organizers. The event, which takes place August 6-11 will bring an estimated $1.8M in direct spending to the region. This is the first time this prestigious event will take place in the Capital Region.

"We are thrilled that the Capital Region was selected to be a host for the 2017 JCC Maccabi Games and look forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes, coaches, delegates, family members and fans from across the country and around the globe'" said Adam Chaskin, Executive Director of the Sidney Albert Albany JCC.

The Times Union Center will host the opening ceremonies. The Olympic-style sporting competitions, which include table tennis, ice hockey, basketball, swimming, soccer, dance, tennis, golf and baseball, will take place in various venues across the region.

The JCC Maccabi Games have been providing opportunities for Jewish youth to participate in competitive athletics since 1982, fostering mutual respect, sportsmanship, and an opportunity for participants to reconnect with Jewish identity, values, Israel, and the community at large.

The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center was the recipient of a $5,000 Hospitality grant from the Albany County Convention & Visitor Bureau Foundation. The funds were provided to help support the Maccabi Games. "With the generous support from the ACCVB, we can't wait to put on an amazing Opening Ceremonies event that showcases the best the region. Visitors from around the world will see first-hand what a beautiful, interesting, historic, friendly, fun, and amazing place the Capital Region of New York is!" said Chaskin.
 
About the ACCVB
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.