West Bloomfield -- Warm summer days filled with best friends, a lot of laughter and great sports may seem a long way off, but planning for ­-- and excitement about -- the 2008 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games is already in full swing.

   Case in point: The kick-off events for the 2008 Games, held in mid-November at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit locations in West Bloomfield and in Oak Park.

   As the programs began, teens from throughout Metro Detroit came pouring into the buildings, recalling fun at previous JCC Maccabi Games events and talking about plans for the Games in August. By the time the program began, more than 600 future athletes, parents and coaches were in the audience in West Bloomfield alone.

  “Our goal is 500 kids,” said Detroit Delegation Head Gennifer Roth. “And by the looks of tonight, I think we’re going to reach it!”

  In addition to Roth’s inspiring talk, those in attendance had the chance to meet delegation heads and coaches. Leading the Detroit delegation, along with Gennifer Roth, will be Stuart Bass, Barry Bershad and Don Rudick. Each has a long history with the Games.

  In the past, Detroit has traveled to the Games with 125 athletes. As the host community for the 2008 Games, Detroit has an opportunity to have almost unlimited numbers in its delegation.