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Who is it for
This program is for Jewish teens who are curious about the world of sports beyond playing the game.
Star Reporter is a strong fit for teens who are interested in journalism, social media, digital storytelling, podcasting, broadcasting, production, public relations, marketing, or sports business. It is also for teens who may not see themselves as athletes, but still want to be part of the JCC Maccabi Games experience in a hands-on, exciting, and community-driven way.
Whether you can picture yourself interviewing athletes, creating content, building a brand, running communications, or exploring the business side of sport, Star Reporter is a chance to learn by doing in a uniquely Jewish setting. The core idea behind the program is simple: you do not need to be an athlete to take part in the Games and enjoy the community, connection, and Jewish peoplehood that come with it.
How it works
Star Reporters learn from professionals, work as a team, and cover the Games from a fresh perspective.
Each day, participants take part in guided coaching sessions led by mentors from across sports media, communications, and the business of sport. These coaching sessions are built to be practical, engaging, and relevant, helping teens better understand how sports stories are created, how media works in real time, and how the industry operates behind the scenes.
From there, participants move into field work, applying what they have learned by covering events, observing the atmosphere of the Games, and developing content rooted in real experiences. Rather than competing against one another, Star Reporters work collaboratively, learning together and contributing to a shared experience that reflects the spirit of the Games.
What the experience includes
Star Reporter blends learning, access, creativity, and community.
Participants can expect hands-on learning with professionals in sports media and sports business, along with opportunities to build real skills in interviewing, storytelling, content creation, production, communications, and sports industry thinking. Sessions may explore topics such as modern sports journalism, asking stronger interview questions, podcast production, breaking news, public relations, and the business of sport.
The experience also includes access to the broader JCC Maccabi Games community. Like athlete participants, Star Reporters are part of the full Games environment, including evening programs, Jewish programming, and community-building experiences. What makes Star Reporter distinct is that it offers all of this through a non-competitive, collaborative lens, with participants from different delegations learning and working together.
Participants will come away with more than just memories. They will leave with new skills, meaningful mentorship, and a stronger sense of where their interests could take them next.
what happens before and during the games
Before the Games, participants prepare to step into the role. During the Games, they put that learning into action.
Ahead of the Games, Toronto participants may gather for select pre-Games experiences designed to build excitement, strengthen the group, and introduce the kinds of conversations and mentorship that will continue during the week itself. These gatherings are intended to mirror the sense of preparation and connection that athletes build through team practices, while giving Star Reporters an early opportunity to learn from professionals and begin thinking about the role they will play.
During the Games, Star Reporters take part in morning sessions and then spend time in the field, observing, interviewing, creating, and regrouping as the week unfolds. The week-at-a-glance includes Star Reporter sessions, field work, time at major Games events, and a behind-the-scenes site visit connected to sports or media. Participants also join in key shared moments across the week, from arrival and host family experiences to Opening Ceremony, evening programming, and Closing Party.
The result is a week that feels immersive, creative, social, and deeply connected to the full Games.
how to take action
If this sounds like you, it is time to step into the story.
Star Reporter is for teens who want to discover sports media, sports business, and content creation in a way that is active, collaborative, and rooted in Jewish community. If you are excited by the idea of learning from professionals, exploring your interests, and being part of the Toronto 2026 JCC Maccabi Games® in a different way, we would love to hear from you.
SAMPLE OF POSSIBLE STAR REPORTER SESSIONS: (to be confirmed)
Chasing your dream
Sports careers don’t start with a job title, they start with curiosity, consistency, and learning how the sports world really works. Hear from sports reporters and industry leaders about the choices, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped their paths. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways, honest advice, and a clearer sense of how to start building your own.
The business of sports
Sports is also an industry - powered by strategy, partnerships,fan experience, data, and storytelling. Hear from leaders across sport andmedia about where the industry is headed and what skills matter most right now.Whether you’re drawn to journalism or the business side, you’ll learn aboutreal pathways into careers that shape how sport runs and how it’s experienced.
Yes, there ARE dumb questions
Curious is good. Prepared is better. In this session, you’lllearn what separates a basic question from a question that gets a real answer.An accomplished interviewer and an athlete will share what they love hearing,what they don’t, and how to build trust fast. Leave with interview techniquesyou can use right away at the Games.
Breaking news
Trades, drafts, injuries, and rumours move in seconds especiallyonline. This session shows you how to chase breaking news without chasingmistakes: how to verify, when to wait, and how to correct things the right wayif you have to. Learn the habits that help reporters earn trust in a world thatrewards speed.
A player's perspective
Great sports stories start with the people living them. Hearfrom athletes about competition, pressure, preparation, and what it feels likein the moments everyone else only watches. You’ll also learn the do’s anddon’ts of interviewing athletes, how to build trust, ask better questions, andcreate content that’s respectful, accurate, and compelling.
The five-tool journalist
There was a time when you had one lane: print reporter,on-air analyst, or play-by-play. Not anymore. Today’s sports storytellersreport in real time, write, interview, produce, edit, and publish acrossplatforms often all in the same day. This session breaks down the core skillsof modern sports media and shows you how to build a versatile toolkit you canactually use at the Games.
Podcast production
Got something to say? Podcasts are a real way to turn ideasinto a show if you know how to build it well. Learn the basics of productionand programming: how to shape an episode, capture clean audio, edit for flow,and find your angle. You’ll leave with a clearer concept and the tools to startrecording with confidence.
Is all PR good PR?
PR in sports is way bigger than press releases. It’s howteams, leagues, athletes, and brands build trust, shape their image, andrespond when the spotlight gets intense. Explore the fundamentals of modern sportscommunications, from social strategy and partnerships to community engagementand crisis moments and learn how the best communicators make smart decisions inreal time.
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