November 20, 2007
DESJARDINS VANIER CUP FESTIVAL KICKS OFF
HAMILTON, Ont. - The festivities for the 43rd Desjardins Vanier Cup got under way with the Vanier Cup and Grey Cup Festival Kickoff at Toronto City Hall at noon on Tuesday.
Toronto mayor David Miller received the Vanier Cup and Grey Cup trophies to mark the official start of the week-long festival which sees the two national football championships held together for the first time since 1973.
"This year to have the Vanier Cup and the Grey Cup present in Toronto at the same time is truly an honor," said Miller.
The two trophies had been brought to City Hall by a lengthy ceremonial procession.
The Vanier Cup had started its trip at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton, and was taken to Ivor Wynne Stadium, where it was placed on board a National Defence Vehicle and driven eastward on the QEW.
The Grey Cup was airlifted from Ivor Wynne to Toronto City Centre Airport by a military helicopter, where it met the Vanier Cup to continue the joint procession.
Canadian Navy Rigid Hill Boats conveyed the two historic cups from the airport to HMCS York on the Toronto waterfront, where they were loaded into Canadian Forces armoured vehicles and delivered to City Hall.
The Desjardins Vanier Cup features the Manitoba Bisons against the Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday, November 23. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm at the Rogers Centre.
- OUA -
Michelle Church
Communications & Media Relations Coordinator
Ontario University Athletics
Tel: (905) 540-5156
Fax: (905) 574-2840
E-mail: michelle.church@oua.ca
Web: www.oua.ca
Toronto mayor David Miller received the Vanier Cup and Grey Cup trophies to mark the official start of the week-long festival which sees the two national football championships held together for the first time since 1973.
"This year to have the Vanier Cup and the Grey Cup present in Toronto at the same time is truly an honor," said Miller.
The two trophies had been brought to City Hall by a lengthy ceremonial procession.
The Vanier Cup had started its trip at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton, and was taken to Ivor Wynne Stadium, where it was placed on board a National Defence Vehicle and driven eastward on the QEW.
The Grey Cup was airlifted from Ivor Wynne to Toronto City Centre Airport by a military helicopter, where it met the Vanier Cup to continue the joint procession.
Canadian Navy Rigid Hill Boats conveyed the two historic cups from the airport to HMCS York on the Toronto waterfront, where they were loaded into Canadian Forces armoured vehicles and delivered to City Hall.
The Desjardins Vanier Cup features the Manitoba Bisons against the Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday, November 23. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm at the Rogers Centre.
- OUA -
Michelle Church
Communications & Media Relations Coordinator
Ontario University Athletics
Tel: (905) 540-5156
Fax: (905) 574-2840
E-mail: michelle.church@oua.ca
Web: www.oua.ca
