Below are some personal thoughts from the 2008 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games Star Reporters:

 

Lisa Kent

"Sunday night's opening ceremony was original and inspiring. The audience and athletes could tell how much effort the JCC has put into this incredible experience. The entrance of the athletes was truly creative. When I entered the brightly lit stadium with the other athletes and saw the audience exploding in applause around us, I knew that it would be an experience I would never forget."

"This was my first year in the JCC Maccabi Games, and the amount of enthusiasm I saw in the athletes and spectators was truly unbelievable. It amazed me how much the Jewish community can accomplish when people work together and create great things."

"All the athletes are trying to accomplish their dreams in whatever field they have chosen. The two 15-year-old boys who are staying in our home are dedicated swimmers and continually work hard. What they are doing reminds me a little of myself, considering the fact that I also am very dedicated to my sport. As a horseback rider, I not only have to ride for hours every day, but I also travel all over the United States to compete. I am convinced that the boys staying with my family are also willing to go through the struggles of juggling their home, educational, religious, social, and athletic demands on a daily basis. These two young men, along with the other athletes here at the Maccabi Games, have inspired me to work even harder at trying to accomplish my goals."

 

"Monday morning, all the athletes showed up bright and early to prepare for the first day of the Games. Once competition started at 8 a.m., friends and family gathered along the court lines to watch their loved one compete. Once athletes were done playing their sport, they stood with the crowd to watch their home towns compete in other competitions. Erin Bohmeiller, a 14-year-old soccer player for Boston, came to watch the volleyball games after her match was over. While cheering from the sidelines, Erin pointed out that the opening ceremony had been her favorite part of the Maccabi Games so far this year. It is truly amazing how much people want to participate during the Games."

 

"Tuesday I went to Seaholm High School to watch the swimming competitions. It was very noisy and everyone was cheering. There was a huge crowd filled with family, friends, and other athletes. Everyone seemed to be meeting and talking to new people, while having a great time. I remember thinking how happy I was to be a part of Maccabi. Everything is new and exciting for me, since it is my first year in the Games. I wish I would have known about the Games and started being a part of them sooner."

 

Maddi Gonte

"The opening ceremony was fun, because I could talk to my friends and meet other people from other countries. But I really enjoy DOING sports more than WATCHING sports. At the ceremony, my friends were talking and we were trading pins with other people, and I also found out that there are a lot of Jewish athletes from all over the world."

 

Alison Shulman

"The opening ceremonies were fun. I made some new friends and had a good time while we were waiting to go in, and when we did get in there were great speeches by many people. The daughter of a Munich victim gave a very touching speech. Mark Spitz also gave a very nice talk. It was a good day and I made good friends."

 

"Today I helped make dolls for Hadassah. I think it is a great charity and a good idea to give the kids dolls to show them what happens. Making the dolls is really fun and I had a good time."

 

Ashley Naftaly

"I was excited and nervous walking in because it was my first opening ceremonies. I had seen the opening ceremonies in Vancouver. The wait outside was very long and I wish that it would have been shorter. But I could tell as I was walking into The Palace that the wait was well worth it. I was very pleased when I was walking in. I felt very happy and thrilled to be there. It was a milestone for me and the memory will be with me forever."

 

Josh Graff

"Sunday night was my first Maccabi opening ever, and it was awesome. The fire was hot, the motorcycles loud and the speeches moving. It was kind of boring just waiting, though; waiting to get into the stadium and then waiting to get out. I think they should have had the Detroit delegation stand on the floor, all the others sit in the stands, light the torch and have us go on our way. But that's just me."

 

"Well, now, Tuesday was something different, almost the complete opposite of Monday. I have managed not to trade one pin, not one! I worked on the mural by Handleman Hall and that was so fun. I made the Star Reporter part of it,by turning the "R" in star into a star with the R "on top." Then the "O" in reporter I turned into a microphone. I brought my swimsuit today and I'm going swimming."

 

Cameron Peres

"I feel really good about these Games, but I also feel very bad. I broke my arm two weeks before they began. I had been training hard for tennis, which I am not able to do now.I hope that next year I will be able to participate in the Games because of all the excitement and fun I am seeing as a reporter. I like reporting and I am having a fun time with my friends and all because of all the smiles I see."