When Lior Nickig’s son, Sam heard about the after school Basketball program at Mount Sinai, all he wanted was to play basketball and be with his friends.

Sam is a fun loving 6 year old who has cerebral palsy and suffers from seizures. He has incredible determination and his persistence to be involved in basketball prompted his mother to contact Maccabi and see if there was any way Sam could join.

The Maccabi Pathways Program helped so that Sam could participate in the training sessions. The Pathways Program run by Maccabi All Abilities seeks to offer involvement opportunities for people with a disability.

The program advocates for inclusive practice and in this case, organised Maccabi Leader Jarred Morris to step in as a buddy for Sam. Sam and Jarred formed a meaningful connection, and Sam is continuing the rest of the season with Jarred by his side.

Sam’s mother was thrilled that her son has the opportunity to play basketball alongside his peers, as a year ago she would never have dreamed that she would see Sam on a basketball court. 

A big thanks to Garron Forman, Deputy Principal of Mount Sinai College and Joel Weiner, PDHPE & Sports Coordinator, for their endless support and assisting in making this basketball dream a reality for Sam. 

Thanks also to Woollahra Council who help to fund this Maccabi program.

Maccabi wants children or adults living with disability to know that there are opportunities within Maccabi Clubs for them to be involved, whether on the field or from the sidelines.