August 20, 2010

Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Trophy unveiled

CFL.ca Staff

Toronto — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), was joined today by Canadian Football League (CFL) Commissioner Mark Cohon and members of the Gaudaur family to announce the new Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Trophy. This award will be given out each year to a CFL player who demonstrates the attributes shared by Canada’s Veterans.

This new national award was unveiled by Veterans Affairs Canada and the CFL at a commemorative ceremony involving Veterans, members of the Canadian Forces and youth at the Moss Park Armoury.

“The Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Trophy is a great example of the legacies that can be created when we work with others to engage more Canadians in remembrance,” said Minister Blackburn. “Being a Veteran himself, and long-time CFL Commissioner, Mr. Gaudaur was known for many of the same attributes Canada’s Veterans are still known for today: strength, perseverance, comradeship, courage and contribution to community.” 
 
The trophy will be awarded for the first time in November by the CFL and Veterans Affairs Canada.

“The goal of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award is to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian Veterans in a respectful and significant way,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the CFL. “We want to shine a spotlight on the contributions of the men and women who have given us their youth, their spirit, their talents, and, too often, their lives.”

Jake Gaudaur was a Canadian hero. His story embodies the historical link between the CFL and Veterans. Like Gaudaur, there is a long list of former and current CFL players who defended both Canada and the Grey Cup.

The Trophy is part of the Canadian Football League 2010 Veterans’ Tribute which is supported by Veterans Affairs Canada through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. The Tribute includes national broadcasts and in-stadium activities commemorating the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans during times of war, military conflict and peace.

A regular season CFL game featuring the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts will take place after the ceremony that evening at the Rogers Centre. Highlights of the ceremony will be broadcasted at the game.

To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, call 1-877-604-8489 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.