Toronto, Sunday, November 25, 2012

What a wonderful Grey Cup weekend it is shaping up to be here in Toronto!

Once again, we are seeing how passionate Canadians are about our unique brand of football. I am certain that former governor general Lord Grey would be delighted to witness the state of the game in Canada today.

Just as success on the field is always the result of extraordinary teamwork, the success of the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup championship is the product of a remarkable team effort as well.

My congratulations to all on a wonderful season! I would especially like to commend everyone who came together to make this anniversary so memorable, including CFL fans, players, coaches and owners—and, not least, our host today, Commissioner Cohon.

Let me also say what a thrill it is to have the opportunity to play a role in this historic game through the coin toss and the ceremonial kick-off. In this I am quite literally following in the footsteps of another of my predecessors, the Right Honourable Roland Michener, who kicked off the 1972 Grey Cup in Hamilton.

As governor general, I often speak of the importance of lifelong learning, and I must admit that practicing my kick-off technique has been nothing if not a learning experience—not least because I was a quarterback in high school and college and I only learned how to throw the ball, never how to kick it!

I would also like to say how delighted my wife, Sharon, and I were to host the Grey Cup at Rideau Hall in October. Many people came to the residence to get a glimpse of this historic trophy, reminding us once again of all that unites us as Canadians.

The fact that so many of our visitors were residents of the National Capital region also bodes well for the CFL’s eagerly-awaited return to Ottawa in 2014—a wonderful development for the city.

I am proud to be associated with the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup championship. It is a splendid symbol of Canada and a reminder of the importance of physical activity, healthy living and fair play.

Thank you to all who helped to make this anniversary season such a sparkling success.

I now invite Commissioner Cohon to join me on stage for a special presentation.