The 2025 Maccabi National Sports Awards were announced nationally on Tuesday 2 December, recognising athletes, volunteers and clubs whose contribution shaped another strong year across Australia. Among the awardees were two standout Victorian honours that deserved a closer look: Club of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Club of the Year

Maccabi Athletic Club

The Maccabi Athletic Club continues to build real momentum, evolving into one of the strongest athletic clubs in Victoria. Thoughtful planning, strong leadership and a committee that continues to invest time and energy have created a solid environment for members to thrive.

This past year reflected that effort. Members collected state and national medals, the junior training program consistently attracted more than 60 young athletes each week, and the open age cross country teams secured premiership success. The Club also introduced its first Maccabi Junior Club Championship Day, drawing over 100 junior athletes for a full day of competition.

Membership growth has been remarkable too, finishing the 24/25 season with more than 120 members, more than double the average of the preceding three years. With a strong base in place, the next year looks promising for both the club and its athletes.

Maccabi Athletic Club Socials

Volunteer of the Year

Gary Lasky – Maccabi AJAX Lawn Bowls Club

Volunteer of the Year went to someone whose long-term commitment has shaped the Maccabi Lawn Bowls community. Gary Lasky has served as President since 2017, guiding the club through milestone celebrations and periods of uncertainty, including its delayed 50th anniversary event in 2022.

Gary’s involvement runs deep. He is a player, coach and umpire, and has been recognised widely for his contribution. In 2022, he received the Gallagher Community Coach of the Year award at the Victorian Sport Awards for training more than 50 new coaches and delivering Bowls Australia’s Rookie Rollers program to over 100 students. His virtual coaching initiatives during the pandemic also gained national acknowledgement.

This year brought another honour. Gary was awarded the 2025 Caulfield Volunteer Sports Category Award for his 20 years of dedicated service to Maccabi Victoria and the wider Jewish community. As part of this recognition, Maccabi Victoria will receive $1000 thanks to the support of David Southwick MP and Bendigo Community Bank Caulfield Park. Watch Gary’s video here.

Other Victorian recipients recognised nationally

Victoria was strongly represented across the national awards, with several community members acknowledged for excellence in their fields:

• Harry Sheezel – Outstanding Sportsman
• Jemima Montag – Presidents Award and Outstanding Sportswoman
• Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva – Presidents Award
• Leora Yates – Outstanding Masters Sportswoman
• Stephen Sharp – Outstanding Masters Sportsman
• Ashleigh Kolomoisky – Outstanding Junior Sportswoman
• James Mann Segal – Outstanding Junior Sportsman

These honours highlight the depth of talent and dedication within the Victorian Jewish sporting community, spanning juniors through to elite and masters athletes.

Explore the full awards booklet

You can read the full digital booklet and see all national award recipients here.