Late last month, Vancouver Whitecaps FC legend Sam Lenarduzzi was named one of 36 winners of the eighth annual BC Community Achievement Award by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and BC Achievement Foundation chair Keith Mitchell.
The honour is given to British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others by devoting their time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy, and unique. Mr. Lenarduzzi fulfills all of those attributes.
After a professional soccer career that included spells with Whitecaps FC, Toronto Blizzard, and the Canadian national team, Lenarduzzi went on to spend over 20 years with in the sales department with Labatt Breweries of Canada. It’s here that Sam began to connect even more with the community. As Sam recalls, “Labatt’s was very event and community-oriented, which enabled me to travel throughout the province and make many friends and connections.”
Following his retirement from Labatt’s, Lenarduzzi was offered a job running Whitecaps FC Soccer Camps, where he could use his experience to bring the club closer to the soccer community. Sam felt this was a great fit after Labatt’s, and he is really enjoying the work that goes with the camps.
Sam is thrilled to be given this award, and says, "I really love to get up every day and do what I do. You never go out looking for awards, but when they arrive, it is nice to know the work you do is recognized and appreciated."
Lenarduzzi will be recognized at a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria, BC, on Wednesday, April 20.
Whitecaps FC congratulate Sam on becoming a recipient of the BC Community Achievement Award.
