The Grey Cup got a ride from the help of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members on Vancouver Island.
The Grey Cup arrived in Vancouver Sunday afternoon after flying in on a Cormorant from 19 Wing Comox, then travelling across Vancouver Harbour on a boat from the HMCS Discovery.
Colonel Christopher Shapka, Commander of 19 Wing Comox and a 10-year CFL referee, accompanied the trophy to Vancouver where CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced he would be a part of the games officiating crew.
Shapka said it’s an honour to be able to work the biggest game of the year on the CFL schedule.
“I work with a lot of incredible men and women on the football field in the CFL and all of us, we train and work so hard, and so to be named to the Grey Cup is always very rewarding.”
Shapka was announced to the crew Sunday at a press conference involving Commissioner Ambrosie, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and BC Lions President Duane Vienneau.
It’s a difficult life for Shapka to balance commanding a military base and officiating in the CFL, but something he’s glad the Royal Canadian Ari Force supports him in doing so.
“I’m very thankful for them as well, that they give me the time to be able to really pursue both my passions, a life in the Air Force and life in the CFL as well.”
The 111th Grey Cup kicks off Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m. and will feature the West champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers, versus the East champion Toronto Argonauts.
