National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum facts for kids
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| Formation | March 21, 1993 (first induction ceremony) |
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| Type | Hall of Fame |
| Headquarters | Commack, New York |
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Region served
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United States |
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Chairperson
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Matt Golden |
The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Commack, New York. It celebrates American Jewish athletes and sports figures. These are people who have achieved great things in sports.
The main goal of the Hall of Fame is to help young Jewish people feel proud of their heritage through sports. It also honors sports heroes from a group of people not always linked with sports.
The Hall of Fame includes people from many different sports. These include American football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and swimming. They also honor people from cycling, gymnastics, ice hockey, tennis, and wrestling. Even authors, broadcasters, and sportscasters who write or talk about sports are included.
The very first group of sports heroes was added to the Hall of Fame on March 21, 1993.
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Honoring Sports Heroes
The Hall of Fame honors people who have made a big impact in sports. These people are called "inductees." They are chosen because of their amazing achievements.
The first group of inductees in 1993 included famous athletes like Sandy Koufax (baseball) and Red Holzman (basketball coach). Other early inductees were Hank Greenberg (baseball) and Sid Luckman (football).
Many other incredible athletes have joined the Hall of Fame since then. Some well-known names include Mark Spitz (swimming), Kerri Strug (gymnastics), and Sarah Hughes (figure skating). Olympic gold medalists like Aly Raisman (gymnastics) and Jason Lezak (swimming) are also honored.
These inductees show the wide range of talents within the Jewish community in sports.
Special Awards
The Hall of Fame also gives out special awards. These awards recognize different kinds of achievements in sports.
The Marty Glickman Outstanding Jewish (College) Scholastic Athlete of the Year
This award goes to Jewish college athletes who are excellent in both sports and academics. It celebrates their success on the field or court and in their studies.
Past winners include Yael Averbuch West (soccer) and Jon Scheyer (basketball). In 2011, football player Gabe Carimi also received this award.
The Jules D. & Pearl D. Mazor Awards to the Outstanding Jewish High School Scholar Athletes of the Year
This award is for Jewish high school students who are great athletes and also do well in school. It encourages young people to strive for excellence in all areas.
Some past recipients include Emily Jacobson (fencing) and Jon Scheyer (basketball) when they were in high school.
The Dick Steinberg Good Guy Award
This award honors people who show great sportsmanship and character. It's given to those who are known for being good people in the sports world.
Winners have included Andy Bloom (shot put) and Boyd Melson (boxer and humanitarian).
The George Young Award
The George Young Award is given to someone, Jewish or not, who shows the same high ideals as George Young. George Young was a respected football executive.
Notable recipients include Lou Carnesecca (basketball coach) and George Young himself.
Advisory Committee
A group of important people helps guide the Hall of Fame. This group is called the Advisory Committee. Members include well-known sports figures like Len Berman and Ernie Grunfeld.
Other Jewish Sports Halls of Fame in the U.S.
- Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
Images for kids
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Brad Ausmus, All Star and Gold Glove catcher
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Barney Ross
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Lennie Friedman
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Sage Rosenfels
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Eric Nystrom
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Jason Lezak
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Deena Kastor
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Gabe Carimi
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Jon Scheyer
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Jon Scheyer
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