Esks and Riders square off in Centennial Gridiron Challenge
September 6, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
Edmonton...The Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders and the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are jointly celebrating their centennials with a special Centennial Gridiron Challenge.
The Centennial Challenge takes advantage of two regularly scheduled CFL games between the Eskimos and Roughriders. The first game is in Regina on September 18; the second game is in Edmonton on October 15th. The winner of the Centennial Gridiron Challenge will be determined by the total points in both games.
Fans of both clubs will have an opportunity to go online and vote for which players from each team's history will be named to an all-century Eskimo and Roughrider team. The all-century teams will be announced the week leading up to the October 15th game.
In addition, Football Alberta and Football Saskatchewan will each receive $7500 from the Eskimos and Roughriders in support of amateur football.
"This event is a great way for our organization and our fans to celebrate Alberta's centennial. The rivalry between Alberta and Saskatchewan dates to the birth of our two provinces and continues to play itself out on the football field year after year," said Eskimo Chief Operating Officer Rick LeLacheur.
"What a wonderful way to celebrate the centennials of our provinces with two of the most storied CFL franchises going head to head," said Gary Mar, Minister of Community Development responsible for the Alberta Centennial. "Like the Centennial Hockey Challenge this past April, this exciting event allows another opportunity for people in both provinces to share in the centennial spirit together while rooting for their team in this classic football rivalry."
"These two teams and these two provinces have enjoyed a great history and a great rivalry," said Jim Hopson, Saskatchewan Roughriders Team President and Chief Executive Officer. "A centennial series like this only comes around once every 100 years, so we understand the bragging rights that are at stake and we're very pleased as an organization to be a part of the Centennial Gridiron Challenge."
"This challenge is a great way for our two sister provinces to celebrate their centennial spirit together," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "I wish all the players the best of luck as they take to the field to commemorate the centennial year in the spirit of fun and sportsmanship."
Canadian Football League Stories from September 6, 2005
- Renegades lead charge against breast cancer - Ottawa Renegades
- Argos challenge Ticat fans - Toronto Argonauts
- Esks and Riders square off in Centennial Gridiron Challenge - Edmonton Elks
- Renegades team up with Red Cross for Katrina relief - Ottawa Renegades
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