Celebrating Excellence. Inspiring the Next Generation.
Each year, the Rady JCC proudly recognizes outstanding Jewish athletes through a series of prestigious awards and scholarships that celebrate excellence in sport, leadership, character, and community.
Nominations are now closed for the 2026 Rady JCC Jewish Athlete Awards & Scholarships, honouring athletes whose dedication, discipline, and impact extend far beyond the field of play.
Recipients are selected by official Rady JCC Selection Committees, with scholarships generously funded through memorial and tribute funds held at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
Award recipients and finalists will be recognized as part of the 52nd Annual Rady JCC Ken Kronson Sports Dinner, taking place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 with select honours announced live on stage.
Check out the award descriptions below, and then get ready to congratulate these worthy athletes at this year’s event.
Honouring the spirit of mastery, discipline, and excellence in sport
The Idy & Max Nusgart Jewish Athlete of the Year is the Rady JCC’s highest athletic honour, recognizing one Jewish athlete who has demonstrated exceptional achievement at the high school, provincial, national, or international level.
This award celebrates athletes whose commitment, discipline, and performance distinguish them among their peers, while representing the values of sport and community at the highest levels of competition.
Finalists are selected by an independent committee of professional sports journalists and are informed prior to the Rady Sports Dinner. The winner is not announced in advance and is revealed live at the Rady JCC Sports Dinner.
Recognizing young leaders who play hard, lift others, and lead with heart
The Bert Knazan Award recognizes two Jewish youth athletes, one male and one female, who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity alongside athletic excellence.
Open to athletes ages 13 to 16 (Grades 7–11), this award honours individuals who model fair play, respect, and consideration for others, and who positively influence teammates and peers both on and off the field of play.
Recipients are selected by a Rady JCC Selection Committee and are notified in advance of the Sports Dinner.
Celebrating grit, growth, and greatness on and off the ice
The Max Labovitch Hockey Scholarship supports one Jewish male hockey player ages 12 to 16 (Grades 6–11) who demonstrates dedication, perseverance, and growth in the sport of hockey.
This scholarship recognizes commitment and effort at the club or school level, while also considering community involvement, volunteerism, and financial need.
The recipient is selected by a Rady JCC Selection Committee and is notified in advance of the Sports Dinner.
Honouring a young athlete whose dedication turns passion into purpose
The Loretta Labovitch Sports Scholarship is awarded annually to one Jewish female athlete ages 12 to 16 (Grades 6–11) who demonstrates a strong commitment to sport and personal growth.
This scholarship recognizes athletes competing at the club or school level whose passion for sport is matched by community involvement, volunteerism, and demonstrated financial need.
The recipient is selected by a Rady JCC Selection Committee and is notified in advance of the Sports Dinner.
Recognizing excellence, leadership, and community spirit through basketball
The Meyer Rypp Memorial Basketball Scholarship recognizes one male or female Jewish athlete who excels in the sport of basketball at the club or school level, while demonstrating leadership and commitment to community.
This scholarship considers athletic excellence in basketball alongside volunteerism, community involvement, and financial need, celebrating athletes who make an impact both on and off the court.
The recipient is selected by a Rady JCC Selection Committee and is notified in advance of the Sports Dinner.
Inspiring the next generation of female athletes
The Evelyn Golden Memorial Fund Scholarship supports one Jewish female athlete ages 11 to 17 who actively participates in sport at the club or school level, with preference given to athletes involved in golf.
This scholarship recognizes passion for sport, commitment to personal growth, community involvement, volunteerism, and financial need, helping inspire and support the next generation of female athletes.
The recipient is selected by a Rady JCC Selection Committee and is notified in advance of the Sports Dinner.
For all Jewish athlete scholarship and award inquiries, please contact:
Chris Allinotte
Communications & Digital Content Manager, Rady JCC
204.477.7536 | callinotte@radyjcc.com