Whitecaps Foundation Gets Its Own MLS Star
August 24, 2010 10:00 AM
Paul Vigano is a long time Whitecaps fan. He's also a realtor with Macdonald Realty, and for every property sale he is involved with, he makes a donation to the Whitecaps Foundation. We talked to Paul about soccer, the Southsiders, and supporting the cause.
How did you first get involved with the Whitecaps Foundation?
I heard about the Foundation through the Whitecaps website. I was impressed with what I read and how the the 'Caps are giving back to the community. I didn't get involved right away but it was always in the back of my mind. Eventually, I contacted the Foundation and asked if I could donate and it took off from there.
Tell us about your first Whitecaps game.
Wow... that's going back years and a few Super Socco commercials tossed into the mix. Unfortunately, I missed the Empire Stadium years by only one game as I lived up north at the time. Our family was in Vancouver on vacation when family friends gave us tickets to the home opener at BC Place against the Seattle Sounders. The game was entertaining, but I most remember being awestruck by the crowd. I grew up in a small town and being in one place with 10x more people than my hometown (Kitimat) was just insane to me.
What would you say is the most important reason why you support the Whitecaps Foundation?
Helping children in Vancouver get active and healthy is a no-brainer.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting the Whitecaps Foundation?
I wouldn't say anything. I would take them to a game and I would make sure they see the smiles of the kids who play at the half [in the mini-games]. I would show them the success of both the men's and women's teams and I would show them the success of our development squad. Vancouver as an entire city benefits from the Whitecaps Foundation.
What do you think will change about the Whitecaps – the Club and the Foundation - over the next five years?
Obviously the players and the entire footballing environment in Vancouver are going to change, but for the Foundation, I see a much higher profile and massive community involvement - eventually gaining status equal to that of Canuck Place.
What do you do when you aren’t working or watching the Whitecaps?
I was playing football, but a knee injury redirected my energy into boxing. Other than that, being in real estate, it's mostly work.
If you could pick any player to join the Whitecaps, who would it be?
ANY PLAYER? I would love to see Mario Balotelli shred defenses in the MLS next year. Being Canadian, I would like to see some of the national team members make their way onto the field...players such as Atiba Hutchinson, Iain Hume or Rob Friend. Absolutely no one from Toronto.
What has been the biggest highlight of supporting the Club?
The Championships for sure. Especially when they beat Puerto Rico at Swanguard. But hanging out and meeting the Southsiders has been fantastic.
Posted at August 24, 2010 10:00 AM
