U of S Huskies to honour the troops Friday night
SASKATOON - For the sixth straight year, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team will pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, with Friday's annual 'Support Our Troops' game.
By James Shewaga
Members of the military will be honoured prior to the Canada West conference matchup between the Huskies and the University of Regina Rams, as the province's two university football teams take to the field at Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park. For organizers, it's the perfect setting for the Huskies organization, the university and the local community to take the time to salute the remarkable contributions of our men and women in uniform.
"The game has become a tradition and we are honoured to have them here as our guests and I think it's a great way to recognize their efforts and the sacrifices that they make for our country and our province," said Huskies head coach Brian Towriss. "It's always a special night for our players and for our fans."
The Huskies will once again wear custom-designed camouflage uniforms, courtesy of former Huskie and longtime program supporter David Dubé and his wife, Heather Ryan. This year's uniforms feature Arctic camouflage combined with Huskies green, along with insignias of the army, navy and air force on each helmet. Huskie helmets will also include crests of HMCS Saskatoon - a coastal defence vehicle that was recently on patrol in the Arctic - and HMCS Unicorn - Saskatoon's reserve division of the Royal Canadian Navy - in addition to the badge of the North Saskatchewan Regiment.
"This is just a wonderful way to say thank you to our military and to take a moment to recognize and honour them," said Dubé. "It's great to take a day other than Remembrance Day to remember those who came before them and to thank those who are currently serving in our community and around the world."
Contributions to the Soldier On Fund will be accepted at the stadium, with the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation committed to topping up this year's donations to $25,000, pushing the total raised to date from this annual event over the $100,000 mark. The charity provides financial aid to injured and ill members of the Canadian Forces.
The pre-game tailgate barbecue will begin at 5 pm in the Wyant Group Rally Alley, where fans will be able to meet-and-greet local members of the military. The pre-game ceremony at 7 pm will feature a military colour guard, a moment of silence, a fly-over by Canadian air force jets, and a ceremonial coin toss and kickoff.
For more information, contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
james.shewaga@usask.ca
"The game has become a tradition and we are honoured to have them here as our guests and I think it's a great way to recognize their efforts and the sacrifices that they make for our country and our province," said Huskies head coach Brian Towriss. "It's always a special night for our players and for our fans."
The Huskies will once again wear custom-designed camouflage uniforms, courtesy of former Huskie and longtime program supporter David Dubé and his wife, Heather Ryan. This year's uniforms feature Arctic camouflage combined with Huskies green, along with insignias of the army, navy and air force on each helmet. Huskie helmets will also include crests of HMCS Saskatoon - a coastal defence vehicle that was recently on patrol in the Arctic - and HMCS Unicorn - Saskatoon's reserve division of the Royal Canadian Navy - in addition to the badge of the North Saskatchewan Regiment.
"This is just a wonderful way to say thank you to our military and to take a moment to recognize and honour them," said Dubé. "It's great to take a day other than Remembrance Day to remember those who came before them and to thank those who are currently serving in our community and around the world."
Contributions to the Soldier On Fund will be accepted at the stadium, with the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation committed to topping up this year's donations to $25,000, pushing the total raised to date from this annual event over the $100,000 mark. The charity provides financial aid to injured and ill members of the Canadian Forces.
The pre-game tailgate barbecue will begin at 5 pm in the Wyant Group Rally Alley, where fans will be able to meet-and-greet local members of the military. The pre-game ceremony at 7 pm will feature a military colour guard, a moment of silence, a fly-over by Canadian air force jets, and a ceremonial coin toss and kickoff.
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For more information, contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
james.shewaga@usask.ca