Steve Nash to receive St. Boniface Hospital Foundation International Award

“Steve Nash is a champion, on and off the court. He has used his celebrity and personal wealth as a platform to advocate for children’s rights, health and education in North and South America. He has spearheaded thoughtful and innovative initiatives that have improved countless lives,” says Chuck LaFlèche, President & CEO, St-Boniface Hospital Foundation. “The International Award was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding work in health care and humanitarian efforts. We are proud to welcome Steve to the distinguished list of past recipients.”

Since its inception in 1976, the International Award Dinner has raised important funds to support medical research and advancements in patient care at St-Boniface Hospital. In this way, the Award not only honours outstanding work in health care and/or humanity, but also furthers that work through supporting important initiatives in Manitoba, and research that benefits the local and global communities. Past International Award recipients include Rosalynn Carter (1979), Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1982), Sir Edmund Hillary (1994), and most recently, Sir Bob Geldof (2008).

Nash will travel to Winnipeg in September to accept the Award. During his time in Winnipeg, he will tour St-Boniface Hospital and speak at the International Award Dinner. Today, Nash issued a statement saying he is honoured to receive the award.

“I’m so humbled to be considered by the St-Boniface Hospital Foundation for this award — I’m not sure I belong in the company I now keep on this list, but hope to one day measure up to the legacy of philanthropy and service it represents,” says Nash. “I’m looking forward to sharing in this with the International Award committee and the St-Boniface Hospital community, visiting the Hospital, meeting some of the Province of Manitoba’s youth, and getting to Winnipeg for a great event in September.”

Nash was raised on Vancouver Island, where his natural athletic talents were evident from a young age. He set his sights on becoming a professional basketball player and after graduating from Santa Clara University in 1996, Nash was drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns. In May 2005, Nash was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, an award he received for the second time in 2006.

Nash takes his role as a community leader very seriously, and in 2001, he established the Steve Nash Foundation to assist underserved children in their health, personal development and education. The Foundation works to improve circumstances and create opportunities for children living in poverty, or with illness, abuse or neglect. The Foundation also works to provide thoughtful solutions to critical community needs, such as health care and educational activities.