The Azrieli Foundation announced the winners of the 2024 Azrieli Prize for Outstanding Social Sports Coaches in a ceremony attended by Israel’s First Lady, Mrs. Michal Herzog.
Among the winners: a coach whose athletes with intellectual-developmental disabilities won two medals at the Special Olympics European Championships, a Bedouin coach who established the first sports club in a Bedouin village in the south, and more. Additionally, a special recognition award was given to the “Open Field” program – a sports-rehabilitation program for Nova survivors.
The judging panel included key figures from Israeli sports, including Olympic medalists Moran Samuel and Arik Zeevi.
This is the second year that the Azrieli Foundation has awarded the Azrieli Prize for Outstanding Social Sports Coaches. The prize was established as part of the SSI (Sport for Social Impact) program’s vision to promote and strengthen Israeli society through sports and physical activity, recognizing coaches who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the use of sports to promote social and educational goals.
Yesterday, the winners’ announcement ceremony was held at the Daniel Rowing Center. The ceremony was attended by: The President’s wife, Mrs. Michal Herzog, who gave opening remarks and promotes the field herself; Chairwoman of Azrieli Group and Chairwoman of Azrieli Foundation Israel, Ms. Danna Azrieli, who leads the foundation’s philanthropic vision and compass; Azrieli Foundation Canada board member and Honorary President of the Paralympic Committee, Mr. Danny Hakim; Chair of the Knesset’s Sports Subcommittee, MK Simon Davidson; His Excellency Ambassador Yusuke Arai, Japanese Ambassador to Israel, and distinguished representatives from other embassies; Chairman of the Paralympic Committee, Mr. Moshe “Motz” Matalon; Olympic medalist Mr. Arik Zeevi; heads and representatives of sports federations and centers; representatives of NGOs involved in sports for social advancement, and more. The ceremony was hosted by News 12 reporter Tamir Steinman.
In the Women’s Sports Advancement category, Hanan Abu Kweder (43), a Pilates and strength training coach from the Suar Almahaba Association, won for her pioneering work in promoting healthy and active lifestyles and advancing women in the Bedouin community, breaking social boundaries and leading unique initiatives combining sports and educational values. Abu Kweder established the first fitness club in an unrecognized Bedouin settlement in the Negev.
In the Special Populations category, Hadas Handler (27), a swimming and cycling coach from Special Olympics, won for her pioneering work in advancing cycling and swimming for people with disabilities, while creating an adapted and empowering environment for each athlete. Thanks to her work, three athletes with intellectual-developmental disabilities flew to represent Israel at the Special Olympics European Championships in cycling and won 2 significant medals.
In the Shared Society category, Suha Sobeh (40), a football coach from Tamra, working at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, won for using football as a tool to promote shared living between Jewish and Muslim women, empowering girls and women, and creating cultural connections between diverse communities, even under challenging conditions.
In the At-Risk Populations category, Jonathan Sidelsky (40), a cricket coach from the Israel Cricket Association, won for his dedication and creative approach in making sports in general and cricket in particular accessible to at-risk youth, while creating empowering experiences, emotional support, and building a diverse and inclusive sports community.
In the Promising Coach of the Year category, Dana Hadar (26), a water sports coach from the Ziv Neurim Association, won for her unique contribution to advancing at-risk youth and children with special needs through water sports.
A special recognition award for collaboration between NGOs using sports as a tool for social advancement was given to the “Safe Field” program, which offers rehabilitation and community integration through football and Footvolleyfor of the October 7th events parties survivors. The program is a partnership between Home Base, Safe Heart, and Balance – Back on Track associations, helping participants return to routine through social integration, assistance with rights fulfillment, encouragement of mental health treatment, and workplace integration.
The judging panel included key figures from Israeli sports, including Arik Zeevi, former judoka, Olympic medalist, founder and director of the Foundation for Olympic Excellence in Israel; Karin Sendel, former captain of Israel’s national women’s team and chairwoman of the Israeli Football Players Organization; Moran Samuel, Israeli Paralympic athlete, bronze, silver and gold medalist and world champion in rowing; Ulfat Haider, professional athlete, former Israeli national volleyball team player; Yaakov Gino, director of the National School for Coaches at Wingate Institute, former basketball player and coach; Yehonatan Cohen, football broadcaster and Sports Channel host; and Danny Hakim, founder of Sports for Social Change and board member of Azrieli Foundation Canada.
Danna Azrieli, Chairwoman of Azrieli Group and Chairwoman of Azrieli Foundation: “The prize is intended to honor inspiring coaches who combine sports with education and lead social change among diverse groups. Especially in this sensitive time, they are a source of inspiration and show us how through sports we can overcome current challenges, bridge gaps, and strengthen Israeli society. Investment in social sports coaches is an investment in the country’s future.”
Danny Hakim, founder of SSI program: “We believe that sport is a powerful tool for creating a better society, and through sports, we can empower different populations and thus society as a whole. About three years ago, the vision became reality and a groundbreaking program, SSI, focusing on NGOs and social sports activities for social advancement. Social sports coaches are the spearhead of this work, creating change on the ground, and to them we say thank you.”
Arik Zeevi, judges’ representative: “After many years in competitive sports, experiencing it as an athlete, coach, father to young athletes involved in sports, and founder of an association aimed at encouraging competitive sports, I know how much the coach is the most significant figure for the athlete. Coaches have the power to influence athletes not only professionally but also mentally and personally. They are the ones who help athletes reach their full potential and believe in themselves. On behalf of the judging panel, I want to thank all the coaches for their important contribution to Israeli society and sports in particular.”
