Maccabi Ashdod

Foundation

Maccabi Ashdod Youth Instilling Values Through Sport

The "Maccabi Youth" Ashdod project is a unique initiative, born from the vision and leadership of the Maccabi Ashdod Association, in collaboration with the Maccabi Israel Movement and the Urban Sports Authority.

As part of the project, the first-ever “Sports Communes” were established in Ashdod – an educational-community framework operating within the structure of the association, combining community involvement with values-based education through sports.

The framework includes five Shin-Shinim (young adults completing a “Year of Service”)– graduates of the Maccabi Youth movement, who volunteer for a full year of community service, before their enlistment to the IDF.

Throughout the year, the Shin-Shinim work closely with the association’s children—in clubs, training sessions, camps, and events—while providing educational content inspired by the youth movement, including:

Youth leadership

Community involvement

Mutual responsibility

Zionist identity

Excellence Program Unlocking the Next Generation of Champions

At Maccabi Ashdod, we believe that every boy and girl deserve the opportunity to break through and excel — especially those who show desire, perseverance, and exceptional potential to become role models.

Therefore, we created the Excellence Program, an educational-sports initiative that preserves a nurturing environment for young athletes, providing them with professional tools, mentoring, and guidance that will lead them to success — both on and off the field.

Maccabi “Ilananot” Ashdod Basketball

Key Achievements:
Maccabi "Ilanot" Ashdod is a unique and moving project of the Maccabi Ashdod Association, operating within the “Ilanot” school – an educational institution providing a framework for students with cognitive disabilities and severe behavioral disorders.

The project uses basketball as an educational, emotional, and social tool – helping students cope with challenges, develop personal and social skills, and experience small successes that build confidence, belonging, and self-worth.

In Memory of the Late Major Hen Buchris
The project is named in memory of Major Hen Buchris z”l, Deputy Commander of the Maglan Unit, who was killed on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack on the Gaza Envelope.

Hen was a beloved officer, a man of values, a role model for leadership and humanity — a person who lived by the values of courage, faith, responsibility, and giving.

Through this project, we strive to continue spreading his spirit, heritage, and values – through basketball.

Maccabi "Alumim" Basketball with Purpose

Maccabi Ashdod Association sees the “Alumim” project as a true mission – to make the world of sports accessible to every child, without exception.
Because to us, every child is equal – and every child can score in the basket of life.

The basketball project at the “Alumim” school is one of the more inspiring community initiatives run by the association together with the management of the school and the community. The school team competes in national tournaments organized by the “Virtus” Association for Special Games..

As part of the project, the children learn the meaning of teamwork and cooperation, strive for excellence, develop persistence, and improve a wide range of physical skills.

Through training and games, the children experience success, practice working as a team, and learn to cooperate, persevere, and believe in themselves—each at their own pace, with mutual respect on both a personal and group level.

Paralympic Swimming Team Maccabi Ashdod

Children and teenagers with special needs often face challenges when integrating into community sports activities. Our swimming group provides a supportive environment that focuses on motor and functional development as well as emotional growth. The program combines physical strengthening, cognitive skill enhancement, and emotional regulation, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace and reach their personal potential.

Why is this important?

Swimming. Balance. Hope.

The "Maccabi Ashdod" Paralympic Swimming Group was established in January 2022, initiated by the Maccabi Ashdod Sports Association’s Deputy Director, Ronen Harel, in collaboration with the ILAN Association.and in collaboration with the. This professional framework nurtures and empowers children and youth with motor-cognitive disabilities, providing them with equal opportunities to participate and excel in the world of sports. Through structured and adaptive training programs, the group aims to foster physical and emotional development, promoting inclusion, self-confidence, and competitive spirit.

Achievements: Within just 8 months of dedicated training, the team participated for the first time in the Summer 2024 National Championships for Children and Youth with disabilities, achieving outstanding results:

Lev Levkovitz: 1st place – 100m Freestyle, 2nd place – 50m Freestyle

Rafael Ardit: 2nd place – 100m Freestyle, 2nd place – 50m Freestyle

Yuli Mizun: 3rd place – 50m Freestyle

Netta Gal: 4th place – 25m Freestyle

Currently, the group consists of 7 dedicated swimmers, aged 7 to 16, training twice a week at Beit Lavron swimming pool, with plans to expand participation and continue to elevate their competitive performance.