Celebrate Excellence
A joint program of the Mandell JCC and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame honors the outstanding achievements of sports figures who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Hartford area. From talented athletes and dedicated coaches to influential managers, agents, officials, owners, writers, broadcasters, and passionate supporters – we celebrate excellence in all its forms.
Nominations Are Now Open
The nomination process for the 2026 Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is officially underway.
In 2026, we will recognize both:
- Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Award Recipients
Honoring outstanding graduating high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in athletics, leadership, sportsmanship, integrity, and positive impact within the Jewish community. - Adult Inductees
Celebrating individuals whose athletic accomplishments, coaching, leadership, or contributions to sports have left a meaningful and lasting mark on the Greater Hartford community.
Important Dates
- Youth Awards will be presented at the Mandell JCC Annual Meeting on June 17, 2026.
- Adult Inductees will be honored during a special induction event in Fall 2026.
- Nominations Open: February 19 – April 6, 2026. Submit your nominations by April 6 and help us recognize the sports figures who inspire our community.
Make History. Nominate Someone Today!
We invite community members to submit nominations and help us recognize the remarkable individuals who embody the spirit and values of the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
If you know someone who deserves consideration please click on the link to the nomination form below:
> Adult Nominee Form and Eligibility Criteria
> Youth Nominee Form and Eligibility Criteria
Brad Drazen, Selection Committee Chair
For questions contact, David Jacobs, President & CEO, djacobs@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6313
History of the Greater Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
Over the span of 20 years (1982 to 2002), the Hall of Fame proudly honored the accomplishments of 86 remarkable athletes, coaches, and contributors, leaving an enduring impact on the Greater Hartford community.
In 1989, the Hall of Fame introduced the Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Award to recognize exceptional high school student-athletes. Since its inception, this award has celebrated dozens of deserving young athletes who exemplify excellence in sports, leadership, character, and commitment to the Jewish community.
After a period of dormancy, the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame proudly returned in 2024. That year, 12 distinguished sports figures were inducted, and four outstanding high school seniors received the Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Award. The return marked a renewed commitment to honoring athletic achievement while strengthening community connection through sport.
Continuing this tradition of excellence:
· Adult inductions now take place every two years (next in 2026).
· The Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Award is presented annually.
In 2025, one exceptional high school senior was honored with the Youth Athletic Award, reaffirming the Hall of Fame’s commitment to recognizing the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.
The Jewish Historical Society collects materials on the inductees in its archives, ensuring that a record of their contributions is preserved. The honorees are also recognized on a plaque at the Mandell JCC. Funds raised through the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame support the preservation of community archives, sports programs at the Mandell JCC, including Sports Jams and Camp Shalom, and provide much-needed sports equipment to youth programs in Israel.
For more information, please contact Elana MacGilpin at 860-231-6317.
Relive the Highlights of the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame 2024 Awards Ceremony & Dinner!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame 2024 Awards Ceremony & Dinner. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the remarkable achievements of our inductees and the impact sports have on connecting and strengthening our community.
We are excited to share some of the highlights with you! Below, you’ll find links to the inductee videos and the event photo album:
> Class of 2024 Inductee Videos
> Awards Ceremony & Dinner Photo Album
Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at future events!
With Gratitude,
Steven M. Greenspan
Co-Chair, Hall of Fame 2024
Board Chair, Mandell JCC
Michael Fishman
Co-Chair, Hall of Fame 2024
Co-President, Jewish Historical Society
