Ottawa to fund 100th Grey Cup in 2012

Organizers of the 100th Grey Cup in 2012 are welcoming news that today’s federal budget pledges significant support for a national celebration of a true Canadian cultural icon.

“Nothing brings Canadians together like the Grey Cup game and accompanying festival, and the occasion of the 100th Grey Cup game provides all Canadians with an opportunity to celebrate something that is distinctly and powerfully ours,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

“We are very grateful to the federal government for enabling us to stage a national celebration that will include a special Grey Cup tour that will touch Canadians across the country before culminating with a tremendous festival in Toronto and the big game itself. ”

Chris Rudge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the 100th Grey Cup Festival in Toronto, thanked Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and his colleagues for recognizing that the Grey Cup is part of the cultural fabric of our country.

“The Grey Cup is more than Canada’s largest single sporting event. It’s also our biggest cultural festival, part of our history and heritage and something we all can rally around as Canadians,” said Rudge, former Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).

“Our slogan is an Invitation to Our Nation because we plan to welcome Canadians from every part of the country, and in all their diversity. We will celebrate the great game of Canadian football, of course, but we want the 100th Grey Cup to transcend sport, much as the Vancouver Olympics lifted us all up as Canadians.”

Just last week, Rudge unveiled preliminary plans for a bigger and broader Grey Cup festival in 2012, including a film festival, a family zone, a street festival and concerts, in addition to the traditional Grey Cup parties.

More details on the plan for the 100th Grey Cup Game, including unique pre-game and half-time entertainment, the 100th Grey Cup Festival in Toronto, and the national Grey Cup tour that will precede the festival, will be announced in the months ahead.

“We are looking forward to celebrating in an historic way the bond between the Grey Cup and Canadians, and the proud history and bright future they share,” Cohon said.

The 100th Grey Cup Festival, to be held in Toronto in 2012, is an Invitation to Our Nation, uniting Canadians from coast-to-coast in Toronto for a nine-day, ten-night festival encompassing over 50 events ranging from traditional team parties, galas and player awards to a football film festival and family fun zone at great venues including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square. Complete with street closures, entertainment and activities, the 100th Grey Cup is a sport and cultural celebration like none before. The 100th Grey Cup will be played on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at Rogers Centre.