[Otto-matic]

https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/gior...rd/c-289925344

The Calgary Flames are proud to announce captain Mark Giordano has been named a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a positive impact on their community through sports. The winner will be able to direct a $100,000 grant from ESPN to the qualified charity related to the award-winning humanitarian efforts. The finalists will be able to direct a $25,000 grant to the charity related to their award-winning efforts.

PGA Tour Golfer Ernie Els, Arizona Cardinals' wideout Larry Fitzgerald and New York Mets' outfielder Curtis Granderson are the other finalists.

"I am truly humbled and honoured to be a finalist for this prestigious award," said Giordano. "Muhammad Ali is one of the most recognizable and influential sports figures of all time. Along with his accomplishments as an athlete, Mr. Ali's selflessness, courage and compassion outside the boxing ring inspired so many around the world. My wife Lauren and I look forward to being alongside other athletes, teams and community members to celebrate and recognize the humanitarian efforts through sport amongst the athletic community."

Congrats Gio! Hope he wins it for his charity.

A ton of work by the Giordano's off the ice. Glad he can represent Calgary for many years to come.

Undrafted but now at the forefront of the Calgary Flames, Giordano never loses sight of what got him to the NHL, and consistently exhibits conviction, integrity and bravery in his long-history of giving back to the community. His 5 for 5 initiative provided the funding to build five homes with Habitat for Humanity in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, the Philippines and the Calgary area. In collaboration with the Calgary Board of Education, Mark and Lauren created Team Giordano in 2014. Funded by the Giordanos, the Calgary Italian Open and the Flames Foundation, and in partnership with Pizza 73, ATB Financial and Cardel Homes, the program has donated $300,000 to four high-needs Calgary schools and has impacted the lives of 1,900 students. The program not only provides resources, including computers, supplies and their own "Gio Journals" to track students' progress, but promotes physical fitness, academics, and the positive behaviors that lead to success in life. And the program is working-with one school reporting that 88% of students are reading at grade level thanks to the literacy resources provided courtesy of Team Giordano. Additionally, he stands behind other important community causes, including stamping out discrimination based on sexual orientation and support of mental health awareness.