Dalembert worked to provide relief for victims of the devastating quake that destroyed his homeland through the Samuel Dalembert Foundation. Besides making a $100,000 donation to UNICEF, Sammy visited Haiti twice and raised awareness for the rebuilding efforts by speaking to local and national media.
Dalembert also helped build a training facility and a school in Haiti called the Dalembert Academy.
“What Samuel has done should be a model for all professional athletes,” president of the PBWA Doug Smith said. “He saw a crying need for help and worked tirelessly to give whatever aid he could while spurring others to act and contribute as well.”
Dalembert joins a star-studded list of players who have won the award, including Dikembe Mutombo, Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, Magic Johnson and Julius Erving.
