100th Grey Cup Championship Game
On November 25, 2012, His Excellency, joined by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and his wife Laureen Harper, attended the Canadian Football League (CFL) Commissioner’s Brunch at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-002
In preparation for the 100th Grey Cup Championship game, His Excellency practiced his ceremonial kick-off in the gardens of Rideau Hall on November 22, 2012.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0637-002
The Toronto Argonauts won the Grey Cup Championship game against the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 35-22.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-032
In front of tens of thousands of spectactors, His Excellency conducted the ceremonial kick-off.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-001
His Excellency did the coin toss.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-023
Pyrotechnics were launched at the end of the national anthem.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-019
The Canadian flag was carried on the field by two young football players.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-015
In 1909, governor general Earl Grey donated a trophy for the Rugby Football Championship of Canada. The trophy, which subsequently became known as the Grey Cup, was originally open only to teams that were registered with the Canada Rugby Union. By this time, Canadian football had become markedly different from the rugby football from which it developed. Over time, the Grey Cup became the property of the CFL, which had evolved into a professional football league.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-014
In the evening, Their Excellencies attended the 100th Grey Cup Championship game at Rogers Centre between the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders. Toronto Argonauts Chad Owens, seen here, was named best player this season.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-013
The Grey Cup was carried by Russ Jackson, former quarterback from the Ottawa Rough Riders, who won three Grey Cup championships in 1960, 1968 and 1969.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-012
Fans wore their team's colours proudly.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-011
The Governor General addressed fans and then join them in the parade as the Grey Cup left the Varsity Stadium and made its way through the streets of downtown Toronto before arriving at Rogers Centre.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-010
Hundreds of football fans from all over the country gathered on site.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-009
In the afternoon, His Excellency, accompanied by CFL commissioner Mark Cohon, attended the Sun Life Grey Cup Fan March at Varsity Stadium, in Toronto.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-007
The Canadian flag was then presented to two young football players who had the honour of carrying the flag inside the Rogers Centre for the 100th Grey Cup Championship game.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-006
His Excellency presented to CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon (left) a Canadian flag.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-005
During the brunch, His Excellency delivered remarks.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-004
TSN Host Michael Landsberg was the master of ceremony.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-003
Their Excellencies watched the champiohship game.
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2012-0639-037