Heat stops Maccabi Junior Carnival
Temperatures approaching 40 degrees forced the cancellation of the afternoon indoor sports events at Sydney’s Junior Maccabi Carnival.
As Sydney turned on a scorcher the participants of Maccabi Carnival 2016, albeit reluctantly, hit the sporting fields. The mercury continued to rise as the young athletes tried their hands at netball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, touch football, football, tee ball and AFL Nines. Sessions were split up between social and competitive sport as we aimed to accommodate the sporting needs of each and every participant.
After a seriously long day of sport which was not made any less tiring by the blistering sun, came a short break before meeting at Rose Bay Wharf for the first social event of the Carni calendar. The harbour cruise is a staple of a Sydney carnival and has been a tradition for a number of years. The scenery through the harbour including the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge left no one unimpressed and no selfie untaken.
Many participants spoke of the uniqueness of these views to the Sydney landscape. Western Australia’s Tal Ram and Adam Gootman spoke fondly of their experience aboard the cruise, “The music was really great and it was amazing to take in all the Sydney scenery, the vibe was awesome and the atmosphere super chilled.” NSW’s Eve Lemberg and Paris Spennato remarked at the “difference to the other discos” as they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Sydney harbour.
Whilst some kids offered more thoughts than others, Daniel Epstein perhaps offered the best all round summary of a great first social event for 2016. “10/10 and the DJ is unbelievable,” glowed the New South Welshman. Something I like to think is a fairly accurate review of an evening which left everyone looking forward to the rest of the packed schedule in store over the next seven days and nights.
Former president of Maccabi NSW and now vice-president of Maccabi World Union Tom Goldman told J-Wire: “I don’t recollect sports activities having been abandoned before due to intense heat. I must commend the organisers for making this move. The health and welfare of our participants is paramount.”
President of NSW Maccabi Danny Hochberg added: “We had contingency plans in place before the carnival started and it was clearly agreed that events should be called off once the temperature reached 38 degrees. All the organisers were aware of what had to be done.”
