Carni kids have a ball in Sydney
“The kids had an incredible experience, the energy at the social events was electric, and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces,” Ori Danieli told The AJN.
Over a week of competitive but friendly sports competitions, and fun social activities from tenpin bowling to an Amazing Race-style challenge night, at the 2024 Maccabi Junior Carnival in Sydney, concluded in style on Monday with a cable water park excursion, and a buzzing neon-themed disco party, leaving all the kids counting down the days until the next ‘Carni’ in a year’s time in Perth.
Maccabi NSW general manager and co-carnival manager Ori Danieli told The AJN, “It was a great privilege for me and my colleague Taryn Levin to lead this year’s Carni, which brought together more than 400 teens from across Australia’s Maccabi states, and New Zealand”.
“We share a great sense of pride for the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed, both on and off the field.
“The kids had an incredible experience, the energy at the social events was electric, and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces.”
He added, “Carni could not have been made possible without the passion and commitment of a team of dedicated volunteers, including an enthusiastic group of youth leaders and state team managers, who made it an unforgettable experience for all”.
A huge shout out, too, to all the host parents in Sydney who billeted kids from interstate, and to the incredible helpers, schleppers, community supporters, and sponsors.”
Natalie Dodge, one of three managers of team Victoria – which comprised an impressive 195 kids – described the 2024 carnival as “absolutely jam-packed with fun activities and sport each day and into most nights, creating so much happiness and good vibes”.
“We’ve already had so much feedback from the kids about how good it was, and the beautiful friendships made.”
She added, a standout moment for her was seeing two team Victoria boys – Samuel Cashmore and Joel Liberman – try playing tennis for the first time, give it their all, and finish first in doubles in their division, earning a medal each.
“That summed it all up, and there were many similar moments throughout the carnival.
“I was thinking to myself, is the Carni spirit still as good as I can recall from my childhood, and by the end of day two, the answer to that question was a definite yes!”
Team NSW co-manager Tova Archie said, “Being my first time involved in the Maccabi Junior Carnival, I was amazed to see the dedication of so many community members volunteering their time to make Carni the best experience for participants”.
“The greatest moments were seeing kids support each other, and really demonstrate great spirit.”
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