2016 Maccabi Australia Rudi Roth Sports Scholarship Awarded

The winner of the 2016 Maccabi Australia Rudi Roth Sports Scholarship was announced at the Victoria Sports Awards last week. Maccabi Australia is excited to announce VIC Junior Rhythmic Gymnast Alexandra Kiroi as this year’s winner.

2015 was an outstanding year for Alexandra. It saw her winning 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal and becoming  Australian Champion in her age group. Alexandra was also selected for the Commonwealth Games Training Squad. Her future goals include qualifying and competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as attending the 2017 Maccabiah Games.

The selection committee consisting of Rudi’s nephew Sonney Roth, Maccabi Australia Board Member Paul Platus and Member of the Board of Governors, Harry Procel OAM, could not have been more impressed with the caliber of nominees. The committee made their decision based not only on sporting achievement, but also where they felt that the scholarship would have the greatest impact.

The scholarship was originally set up in 2015 with the inaugural winner being 13 year old NSW tennis player Lara Kaplan. Lara had a fantastic year culminating in her winning 2 major under 18 NSW country tournaments and by the end of the year was ranked 5th for her age in Australia. Lara was extremely grateful for the scholarship, stating “that with the funding she was able to take on extra high level coaching that ultimately allowed me to achieve me highest ever Australian ranking.”

Rudi, a former Maccabi Squash Club President and captain will continue to make a single grant each year to assist emerging athletes on the path to achieving at an elite level. Having overcome Rickets at age 12, undergoing six operations and then re-learning how to walk, Rudi was not sure he would ever walk again, let alone succeed in squash at the highest level. Rudi established the scholarship to support emerging athletes, with their eye on elite status.

Rudi’s nephew Sonney, whose company Antler Luggage is also a major sponsor of Maccabi Victoria, speaking on behalf of his uncle, spoke of Rudi’s wish in establishing this award to genuinely assist an athlete on their journey to become elite. Sonney is “certain that Alexandra will continue to achieve in her sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics. We wish you (Alexandra) the best of luck in perusing selection for the Commonwealth Games.”

Any questions relating this statement to be directed to Barry Smorgon, via the Maccabi Australia office on 03 9563 5865

Photo credit: Les Neistat