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Grey Cup and BC Lions visit Inuvik
Impromptu visit by CFL players excites town and sparks idea for flag football leagueKatherine Hudson Northern News Services Published Thursday, March 8, 2012 Three CFL football stars caused a stir Feb. 29 with the Grey Cup in tow. They spoke at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School and Samuel Hearne Secondary School and then set up at the Midnight Sun Complex community hall for the general public to come in and visit with the players and the cup.
Kids and adults alike lingered on the outskirts of the cup, which sat proudly on a table enveloped in light, ready for its close-up, until tentatively, one-by-one, people approached the shining trophy. Then, the confidence flowed as the cup soared into the air above residents' heads in a victory pose, with camera flashes catching the surreal moment.
Joseph Kaye listened intently while the three towering men spoke words of strength and encouragement at the high school earlier in the day.
"They just talked about what they do, how they train and how they became who they are. It was pretty cool," he said.
Mayor Denny Rodgers said the Lions' trip was arranged and sponsored by E. Gruben's Transport Ltd. and Canadian North and originally was set for Deline and Tuktoyaktuk. On Feb. 29, an abnormal day in its own right, he got a call giving Inuvik an opportunity to host the trio for the day.
"It was unexpected and very exciting," said Rodgers.
He said the group did an amazing job at the schools, all being motivational speakers – telling stories about what it takes to become a professional athlete and how the road is not always smooth.
"People often think it was an easy road, but it's not."
Rodgers took the Lions to the Cafe on Mackenzie, with the Grey Cup of course, as well as the Igloo Church.
It was Paris Jackson's first time in the NWT, first time snowmobiling, first time experiencing -35 C weather and first time reaching out to communities.
"I'm just really grateful for the opportunity and the experience ... The people have really accepted us so it's one of those life experiences that I will never forget for the rest of my life," he said.
Jackson said his message to youth is to "dream big" and to surround yourself with positive people.
"I'm just telling them things that they are probably going through and letting them know that as long as you work hard and have a dream, then you can reach your goals."
J. R. LaRose said the trip North has reminded him of what the Grey Cup symbolizes: success, hope and hard work.
"I think we take the Grey Cup for granted, having it around so much. We take it to these communities and you see the smiles on peoples' faces, see how the room just brightens up. That's kind of been the biggest excitement for us really, to see the reaction when people see it," he said.
Les Skinner of Inuvik played football in high school and went on to play junior football in Alberta. He said seeing the Grey Cup in the community is inspiring him to work toward forming a flag football league, something to allow youth to experience the sport for themselves.
"That would be nice in the summertime to have a flag football league. These guys showing up, especially with the Grey Cup here, it might spark some kids' interests," said Skinner.
Inuvik might grow to have a platform for such sports as soccer and flag football, with the demolition of Sir Alexander Mackenzie School making way for a recreational green space.
"It's a lot of fun and a lot of these kids have never been exposed to it ... It's pretty easy. There's not much to it. You just need flags and an area to play and a football," Skinner said.
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