It has been quite a week for Steveston’s Alan Sakai.
Hot on the heels of being inducted onto Richmond’s Sporting Wall of Fame, Sakai has been honoured by the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) with a Community Leadership Excellence Award.
The award recognizes an outstanding leader or organization that, “through their unique strengths and styles, effectively acts and leads others, working to build a healthier more vibrant community.”
That certainly fits the bill for 67-year-old Sakai, whose list of voluntary roles includes president of the Steveston Judo Club and the Steveston Community Society – which organizes the fabled Steveston Salmon Festival.
And that’s not forgetting the fact he is a former Olympic athlete, teacher, school administrator, as well as holding a clutch of other director and chairing roles.
Recognized for dedication
The BCRPA noted that Sakai is “widely recognized for his dedication, commitment, and passion and his ability to make a difference by influencing the development of healthy and sustainable programs in his community.
“His impact has been felt through the many roles he has played: enriching the lives of local seniors and visitors to Richmond through his role as Director at the Maple Residences.
“As a lifelong learner and supporter of his community, Alan has spearheaded the design of a new Steveston Community Centre.”
Tireless contributions
BCRPA’s CEO, Rebecca Tunnacliffe, said Sakai’s “contributions and tireless dedication to building a healthier, more vibrant community are truly astounding.
“His passion for making a difference has helped establish a network of strong and trusting partnerships that will benefit Steveston, and Richmond as a whole, for years to come.”
The Community Leadership Excellence Award is one of five provincial awards of excellence presented during BCRPA’s annual Symposium conference in Whistler.
Each award is presented on behalf of over 4,000 recreation and parks sector members from across BC working to enhance the physical and mental health, wellness, connectedness, and quality of life of their communities.
