The Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, announced Friday the list of 85 appointed to the Order of Canada, a list of which the president of the Raptors, Masai Ujiri, is part.
The highest civil distinction in the country, it rewards each year those who have accomplished exceptional things, through their dedication to the community, or for various services rendered to the nation. “The nominees improve the lot of our communities and our country every day”summarized Mary Simon.
Alongside writer Dan Levy, artist Kent Monkman and singer Andy Kim, the leader of the Canadian franchise, crowned NBA champion in 2019, was named an officer of the Order of Canada for his “contributions to the basketball courts and outside”, in reference to his inspiring journey but also for his commitments in Africa, in addition to being very invested in the development of the Basketball Africa League.
“It means a lot to be honored by a country where my children were born, a country that means a lot to me”, he said yesterday shortly before the opening of the “free agency”. “I am very grateful and proud, honored that people think of me in this way. I am happy to live in this country, because it has been a blessing, to go to the communities in Canada has been incredible for me. I respect the country for accepting me and my family. I am convinced that there are many people who deserve it more than me, but I am very grateful and very proud. I don’t know if I have already done anything: I have the impression that the work has only just begun. I hope we can make the world a better place”.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada has already honored more than 7,800 people and has given itself the particular mission in the future that the winners better reflect the diversity of the country.
Born in England but raised in Nigeria, Masai Ujiri has three passports: English, Nigerian and Canadian.
