Grey Cup arrives in Winnipeg thanks to Air Force personnel

By Holly Bridges

Dignitaries wait for the Grey Cup to be unloaded from a CH-146 Griffon at the Forks in Winnipeg by its handlers and security personnel on Tuesday. Photo: Corporal Bill Gomm

The Air Force scored a touchdown this week in Winnipeg, literally.  A CH-146 Griffon helicopter carrying the Grey Cup touched down at the Forks in Winnipeg to kick off festivities surrounding the big game this Sunday between the Montreal Alouettes and the BC Lyons.

Two helicopters were involved in the unusual airlift – one to transport dignitaries to the Forks, and the other to transport the cup and its security entourage. Passengers on the first CH-146 Griffon included Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, Canadian Football League Commissioner Tom Wright, Winnipeg Grey Cup Chairman Gene Dunn, and Winnipeg Grey Cup Chairman David Asper.

“I want to start by thanking our great military that transported us here today,” said Manitoba Premier Gary Doer.

“It’s been awesome,” said Saskatchewan Roughriders fan Sandy Monteith.  “This just made my Grey Cup and it’s only the first day.”

The Grey Cup was then be escorted to the main event stage by a military piper and a RCMP/Military Colour Guard.  The second helicopter was open to the public for an hour before returning 17 Wing Winnipeg.

The Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers provided food and refreshments for the event.  “We have enough to feed a thousand people,” stated Barry Riench, one of the volunteer hosts lending a hand. “What a great way to start off with the military. We love the military.”

Tuesday’s kick-off at the Forks was the first of many events the Canadian Forces have supported this week and will continue to support this weekend during the Grey Cup game and surrounding festivities.

“Teaming up with the Canadian Football League for the 94th Grey Cup is a great way for Canadian Forces members to get out and interact with the public,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “The Grey Cup is a strong and proud Canadian tradition and it’s the perfect event for us to be a part of to let the public know who we are, what we do and how to get involved with our organization.”

The Canadian Forces’ three elements — Navy, Army, and Air Force—are participating in the events. Highlights include:

• Static and dynamic equipment, vehicle, and kit displays as well as recruiting and civilians in defence information booths at the Forks Parka Day and on Game Day;
• SkyHawks parachute demonstration team;
• Snowbirds and CF-18 fly-pasts during the Grey Cup Parade and at the game;
• Escorting the competing teams; and
• Vehicle and personnel participation in the Grey Cup parade.

For a detailed listing of Canadian Forces involvement in this event visit: LFWA's Grey Cup page. For more information on the entire week of festivities visit:  www.cfl.ca.