Over winter break, three Greenhill students participated in the Pan American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Senior Zander Kennedy played on the U18 soccer team, placing silver. Freshman Sadie Werner played on the U16 girls soccer team, placing gold. Freshman Jordyn Wilkofsky played for the U18 girls basketball team, placing bronze.

Team USA won 124 medals, only 20 less than first place Argentina.

Maccabi USA is a Jewish youth athletic organization where Jewish teens from all over the country have the opportunity to cultivate a sense of Jewish pride and have athletic, educational and cultural experiences.

“It was a very memorable experience,” Wilkofsky said.

A typical day at Maccabi started with waking up, having breakfast and then traveling by bus to the athletic complexes. After athletes played their own games, they supported their friends before heading back to the hotel and participating in activities including the traditional Shabbat rituals, seeing tourist attractions and bonding with the other athletes.

“It was a combination of sports, getting to meet new people and seeing Buenos Aires,” Werner said.

Not only was this a sports competition where these athletes could represent their country, but it was also a way for the athletes to connect with Judaism and other Jewish athletes around the globe. The program made the athletes feel supported and promoted a sense of community.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see Jewish cultural activities, be a part of community and meet all these new people,” Kennedy said.