Co-General Team Managers Announced as Applications Open for the European Maccabi Youth Games

Maccabi GB has launched the inaugural European Maccabi Youth Games ‘EMYG24’, taking place in London in the summer of 2024. These Games will see athletes from across Europe and the world participating in a week of sporting competition, London sightseeing, learning about British Jewish history, culture, and tradition, and ultimately having a true Maccabi Jewish experience.

Jonathan Prevezer, Chairman of Maccabi GB said: “We are incredibly excited to provide a platform where sports, camaraderie and Jewish identity intertwine to create an extraordinary experience like no other. At Maccabi GB, we passionately believe in the transformative power of sports and its ability to strengthen Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish Community. Our aim is to offer an inclusive and inspiring atmosphere where young athletes can display their skills, forge lifelong friendships, and develop a profound connection to their Jewish heritage.”

Based on one campus, the EMYG24 will take place from Tuesday 30th July - Tuesday 6th August 2024 and will feature up to 23 sports in Youth (U18) and Junior (U16) categories.

Applications are now open for athletes and managers who want to represent their country and community as part of Team Maccabi Great Britain. To apply visit www.maccabigb.org/emyg24.

Maccabi GB are delighted to announce that leading the charge for Team Maccabi GB as Co-General Team Managers are Richard Bernstein and Yvie Curtis, who both bring exceptional expertise in the management of Youth and Junior athletes at International Games.

Richard embarked on his inaugural International Games journey as a Junior Fencer at the 2011 European Maccabi Games. Since then, he has participated in four further Games, amassing an impressive collection of 10 medals as an athlete. Furthermore, Richard's dedication extended beyond competing, as he transitioned into the role of a Fencing Manager. He assumed this position for the first time during the European Maccabi Games in 2019, where he contributed to the team's success, earning an additional 19 medals. At the 21st Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2022, Richard led from the front, managing three exceptional Junior athletes whilst competing himself, earning a gold medal in the Open Sabre team event. “It is an honour to be appointed Co-General Team Manager for next summer's European Maccabi Youth Games. It is incredibly special that this will be a home Games. I am excited at the opportunity to build an awesome GB squad to compete at the highest level.”

Richard Bernstein will be taking part in his 6th International Games next Summer

For the upcoming Games next summer, Maccabi GB's Head of Engagement, Yvie Curtis, has been appointed as the Co-General Team Manager for Team Maccabi GB

Yvie is Maccabi GB’s Head of Engagement, and a member of the Organisation’s Senior Leadership Team and has an expertise in leadership and youth engagement. For Yvie the EMYG24 will be the 5th International Games, marking a significant milestone in her involvement since her initial participation as part of the Junior Management Team at the Maccabiah Games in 2017. Notably, she served as a Junior Team Manager during the Maccabiah Games last summer and the European Maccabi Games in 2019. “It is such a privilege to be appointed Co-General Team Manager for the upcoming European Maccabi Youth Games, particularly as Maccabi Great Britain will be hosting the overall event,” said Yvie. “My main goal is to build an incredible experience for these teenagers that will lay the foundations for their Jewish and sporting lives ahead. With my knowledge and experience of International Games, I know I can deliver a hugely successful & respectful Team GB Delegation.”

Ashley Lerner, Maccabi GB CEO said “We are all very excited for the EMYG to take place in London next year and I am exceptionally thrilled that we have Richard and Yvie in place to lead our GB delegation. I have worked with both for many years and have seen them grow and develop into exceptional communal and Maccabi leaders. I know they will build a team which will be as successful both on and off the sporting field.”

The Maccabi GB website is now accepting applications for managers and athletes at www.maccabigb.org/emyg24.