GIORDANOS EPITOMIZE TEAM CULTURE

Over the past week, we've extensively covered Mark Giordano's ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian nomination and win, talking to a multitude of people who work alongside the Flames captain.
From Brad Treliving to Glen Gulutzan to the Flames Foundation's Candice Goudie, everyone who has worked with the Giordano family has echoed the same sentiment: Mark and wife Lauren's work comes from the most genuine, authentic place and both will shy away from any sort of recognition when it's doled out.
They don't see it as a chance for publicity - they see it as the right thing to do and are committed to constantly expanding their involvement in their community.
And while I didn't need to witness Mark's reaction after winning the award to know this isn't hyperbole, his genuine surprise that people wanted to put a spotlight on he and Lauren's work reinforced that they do this work for selfless reasons.

His humble nature has been on display all week, earnestly deflecting praise to those around him and making sure to highlight causes he supports.
But for those around Mark and Lauren, it's incredible to see them honoured on an international stage and with an award named after one of the greatest athletes in history.

Muhammad Ali's life-long mission was to help those in need and he was able to use his platform to affect change on a global scale. Recognized countless times throughout his life, he was named the United Nations Messenger Of Peace, earned the Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award, was awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, and tabbed as the Sports Illustrated Sportsman Of The Century.
Ali inspired millions with his generosity and drive for equality and inclusivity. His six core principles were confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality and he lived by those day-in and day-out.
Given Ali's ideals and the impact he had, this award is an outstanding achievement and speaks to the level of commitment Mark and Lauren have to helping others.
Throughout the week, we have been approached by a number of individuals throughout the sports world who have lauded the Giordanos work and passed along their congratulations on the award.
Words such as 'remarkable and 'historic' have been regularly used in those conversations and to hear Lailia Ali sing the Giordanos praises really drives home how momentous this is for them and the entire Flames organization.
On top of that, the Flames Foundation has been praised throughout the week by those in the sports community relations' world. To hear other organizations, from all over North America, talk about how inspiring the work our Foundation has done is truly an honour.

It has been a heartwarming experience to see the Giordanos and the Flames Foundation receive this sort of recognition but their work has had even more of an impact than most know.
Mark and Lauren's efforts are indicative of the culture that has been fostered in the organization, from players to management to office staff.
The philosophy of lending a hand to those in need is deeply ingrained in the company and everyone is encouraged to support charities or initiatives that have touched their lives.
This ethos is contagious - you see your fellow staff members, management and players taking part in a variety of community programs and you can't help but be swept up by that sort of atmosphere.
For instance, staff members take part in the annual motionball: Marathon Of Sport, which raises funds for Special Olympics. Every year, we have countless people asking to help raise funds and participate. This year, due to demand, we expanded to two teams and raised over $20,000 for a cause we feel strongly about.
This is just one example of that community-minded philosophy running throughout the organization - this kind of mentality is just a part of every day life for the CSEC family. It permeates into every department, both in terms of how we do our jobs and our lives outside of the office as well.
Mark and Lauren's ambitious community work will undoubtedly grow and evolve because that is just who they are. Giving back and helping those in need is a part of their DNA, it is in the fabric of their being, and it is a privilege to have such inspiring leaders among us.