MacVic honours best and brightest

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MACCABI Victoria honoured the Jewish community’s best sports stars and volunteers at its annual awards nights on Sunday last week.

Administrators and players from Maccabi’s 23 affiliated clubs were recognised for their efforts at the event which also paid tribute to more than 600 volunteers.

Sportsperson of the Year went to former North Caulfield Maccabi star Ariel Ritz, who won the State League 3’s best-and-fairest award for the second time.

Jemima Montag, 14, took out the Junior Sportsperson of the Year award after an outstanding 12 months. Montag, who competes in the three kilometre walk, came first at five national and state events.

Victorian state champion gymnast Janey Nestadt won the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award, while Jordan Brown, who represents the Joeys under-17 Australian soccer team, took out the Junior Sportsman of the Year.

Jordan’s older sister Ashley was named Sportswoman of the Year for her performance with Melbourne Victory and selection into the Young Matilda’s and Matilda’s national sides.

The Sportsman of the Year award went to Michael Klinger, who guided South Australia to the Ryobi One Day Cup, now plays with English county side Worcestershire, and was recently named in the Australia A side.

Victorian lawn bowler Denese Brick was named Masters Sportswoman of the Year, while Victorian and Australian Masters hockey player Norman Same won the Masters Sportsman of the Year award.

Sam Gamsu was given the President’s Award for his efforts with the North Caulfield Maccabi Junior Football Club, while the president of the Victoria Maccabi Snooker Club, Mal Gilbert, won the Lenny Bogatin award for Outstanding Service to Maccabi Victoria and Jewish Sport.

Maccabi Victoria also handed out the inaugural People’s Choice volunteer award to Peter Rockman, who is a stalwart of the AJAX Football Club.

PHOTOS: Maccabi Victoria Volunteer & Awards Night

AJN STAFF