Alan Sakai

Alan was born in Vancouver in 1954 and raised in Richmond. He worked in the fishing industry and went on to UBC to complete his B.ED and M.ED. Alan was an educator for over 40 years with the Richmond School District. He was an athlete, coach, and sport administrator in Richmond for over 50 years.

Richmond Roots Alan grew up in Richmond and attended Lord Byng, Hugh Boyd and Steveston High School. Alan learned his Judo with the Steveston Judo Club. He was a teacher and administrator with the Richmond School District for over 40 years, and has coached and organized various sports with the Richmond School District.

Did You Know Alan is a long-time community volunteer with the Steveston Community Society and Steveston Martial Art Centre.

Barriers Overcome Alan helped to revitalize the Steveston Judo Club over the past two decades by introducing new programs to attract and retain younger athletes to the sport of judo.

Recognition Alan received the Shigetaka Sasaki BC Sports Achievement Award in 1972, the Richmond Sport Award, and the UBC Big Block Athletic Award in 1973. In 2008, Alan received the Steve Sasaki Judo BC Award for contributions to the sport of judo. Alan was given the honor to carry the Olympic Torch in his hometown of Richmond.

Championship Alan’s hard work and training helped him win the Provincial Championships in 1972. That same year he placed 2nd at the Canadian Judo Championships. From there he went on to represent Canada at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

Contribution to Richmond Sport Alan has been an instructor and President of the Steveston Judo Club for the past 20 years. He has helped develop the primary-age Judo program for the Club and has been chair of the Pacific International Judo Tournament for 10 years.