Fun under the western sun at Junior Carnival

THE 2020 Maccabi Junior Carnival in Perth has proven to be an unforgettable week of sport, fun and active social events, for 170 Jewish kids aged between 12 and 16, representing four states.

The organising committee members from Maccabi WA brought back into the program the friendly but competitive state versus state Maccabi sporting rivalry from the days of old.

There were three days of matches in sports including football, futsal, netball, basketball, beach volleyball, tennis and touch footy, culminating in an Australia Day finals morning.

“Those not involved in finals action cheered fervently for their home states, and the atmosphere was electric,” Maccabi WA president Justine Sharbanee said. 

Sports introduced to carnival’s Perth chapter were 3×3 basketball, Fast 5 netball, and a taekwondo competition and demo session.

“These competitive sports were balanced with fun games such as Tug of War and dodgeball, so that everyone could select a sport they wanted to play,” Sharbanee added.

Another highlight of the sports program was a dedicated All Abilities sports afternoon included for the first time, thanks to sponsorship by the Choice Foundation.

Everyone was encouraged to participate, getting the opportunity to try playing wheelchair basketball and wheelchair archery.

Football West organised inclusive football mini matches and drills, plus an entertaining match between Maccabi boys and a WA state para-soccer team. 

Many kids rated it as one of the highlights of the week.

The social activities program included indoor rock climbing, laser tag, a silent disco and an Australia Day barbecue and pool party.

Next year’s carnival will be held in Melbourne.

Photos: Julie Kerbel Photography, Samara Toister and Saul Frank

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