Philadelphia Flyers right winger Claude Giroux, who emerged as one of the elite players in the National Hockey League (NHL) this season, will receive the 2012 John Wanamaker Athletic Award on June 5 at the Wanamaker Building’s Crystal Tea Room.  The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, presents the award each year in conjunction with Amerimar/Behringer Harvard.
 
This season, Giroux tallied 28 goals and 65 assists for 93 points. He also led the NHL in scoring during the first round of the playoffs. This is the third time a Flyers player has been recognized with the award, but the first since goalie Bernie Parent in 1975. Giroux also joins Bobby Clarke and the Flyers Stanley Cup Champion team from 1974, coach Fred Shero in 1976, and the 1980 squad which reached the Cup Finals.
 
Since 1961, the Wanamaker Award has been presented to the athlete, team or organization that has done the most to reflect credit upon Philadelphia and to the team or sport in which they excel.
 
In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider.  Snider brought an NHL franchise to Philadelphia when he founded the Flyers in 1967, and was the driving force behind the construction of the Spectrum.  A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, he created the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation in recent years to bring the “the greatest game ever invented” to children who otherwise might never have the opportunity to play.
 
“This year’s recipients are wonderful representatives of the caliber of individuals in the Philadelphia sports community,” said David Montgomery, chairman, Philadelphia Sports Congress. “Claude Giroux is not only an outstanding player, but he also has emerged as a true leader for the Flyers.  Ed Snider has done so much for Philadelphia throughout his entire career.  Additionally, Jerry Segal has been an inspiration to many and the Kirlin family has exemplified the value and true meaning of giving back to others.”
 
The Sports Congress, Amerimar/Behringer Harvard, CBS-3, and the Philadelphia Daily News present the Wanamaker Athletic Award ceremony and luncheon. The public participated in the nomination process via ballots in the Philadelphia Daily News and online during April. The Wanamaker Selection Committee, consisting of a cross-section of sports and media representatives, made the final decision. CBS3’s Beasley Reece will emcee the event.