The Canadian Football League’s top prize is coming to Prince Edward Island.
The Grey Cup will be in Charlottetown and Summerside Oct. 9 as part of the cup’s 100th anniversary. It is currently crossing the country on a VIA Rail train as part of the festivities leading up to the Nov. 25 championship in Toronto.
“There’s a lot of CFL fans here on P.E.I. and this type of event means a lot to a small football province,” said Football P.E.I. executive director Glen Flood.
“It’s certainly a special opportunity for us.”
He said flag football programs are being rejuvenated in some areas while programs are being started in new communities. There are boys and girls from seven to 13 years old playing the sport leading into the tackle program.
Flood said the bantam league, now in its third season, has expanded from four to five teams this year.
“We have a pretty good path where you can get involved young and stay in it right until you’re 18 and then onto Holland College,” he said.
This will mark the third year in a row the Grey Cup has been on the Island. Flood said the Touchdown Atlantic events in recent years have helped boost the profile in the region.
“All the CFL stuff we’ve done has always generated some type of new interest, new programs and continued interest,” he said.
The cup will be flown to the Charlottetown Airport on Oct. 9.
It will be taken to the Credit Union Place for 10:30 a.m. It will be at Charlottetown City Hall at 1:30 p.m. before going to the Simmons field where a pass, punt and kick program will take place.
Residents are invited to visit the three locations.
