The Grey Cup will be in town this Sunday and residents are encouraged to come on out to the Tantramar civic centre, see some video highlights from the big game, hear some guest speakers and take some photos with the trophy, which has been a part of Canadian sports since 1909.
The Grey Cup will be in town this Sunday and residents are encouraged to come on out to the Tantramar civic centre, see some video highlights from the big game, hear some guest speakers and take some photos with the trophy, which has been a part of Canadian sports since 1909.
Wray Perkin, a Sackville native and assistant equipment manager with this year's Grey Cup champions the Ottawa Redblacks, said this event provides an exciting opportunity for the community to gather and share in this piece of Canadian history, and get an up-close look at the trophy that has been a symbol of Canadian football supremacy for more than 100 years.
“Whether you're a big fan of football or you simply have an appreciation of the history behind the sport, this is your chance to come on out and see it firsthand,” he said.
Perkin said he is excited to be able to bring the Grey Cup to his hometown, where he spent his childhood and where he got his start in football, having worked with the Mount Allison Mounties and the Tantramar Titans in various capacities over the years.
“It's not often that you get a sports trophy like that for a day in a little town like Sackville,” he said. “You never know when it'll come through town again so this is a great opportunity to have a moment with it and take photos with it.”
For local youth who play football, Perkin said the Grey Cup visit allows them to see the highest pinnacle in Canadian football and it may just inspire them, when they hit the field again, to “play a little longer or harder than before.” Or it may encourage those who have never played the sport to discover an interest in it, he added.
The Grey Cup will be in town on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
