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The Grey Cup Breakfast

by Natalina MacLeod & Eric Reynolds

P2C aT HoMe

what’s the greatest event in the week before the Grey Cup that members of both competing teams will attend? For over thirty years, Athletes in Action (AIA) has been hosting it: the Grey Cup Breakfast.

In 2011, the Grey Cup was hosted in Vancouver and, fortunately for BC residents, the Lions made the finals. No one knew, but everyone hoped, what would happen the next day.

From taking part in the Grey Cup Parade to having a hospitality suite where players could take pictures with fans and kids could get their faces painted, the entire weekend was chock-full of AIA and Power to Change representation. This also included a survey of people’s cravings where AIA could follow up with them and start spirit filled conversations.

The Breakfast was a delight for all, complete with amazing food, incredible entertainment, and powerful testimonies stated by the athletes. Both emcees for the day, Herbie Kuhn and Rodd Sawatzky, loved the heart behind the speeches from Michael “Pinball” Clemons, the Buono family, and Anthony Cavillo. The Buono family was completely vulnerable and transparent during their speech discussing their frustrations about being publicly lambasted throughout the season. Not only did Wally Buono, head coach of the BC Lions, talk about how living through public humiliation would be impossible without Christ, but his wife and daughter also spoke on how they were able to support Wally best: through the strength of the Lord.

Anthony Calvillo received a standing ovation from the audience before he even spoke. Calvillo is known as the best CFL player in history. He and his wife are cancer survivors. His strength and heart for the Lord was evident in every word he spoke.

“Not only as a chaplain, but also as a pro broadcaster, interviewing Calvillo was definitely a highlight,” said Kuhn, who is also AIA Pro-Chaplain for Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Raptors. “You can feel his love for Christ. And the standing ovation… amazing!”

Real men. Real life. Real faith.

“A record-holding quarterback expressing his faith and journey with Christ was enormous,” said Sawatzky, AIA Pro-Chaplain for the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders. “He has accomplished so much but still has a need for God. That is incredible.”

During the Breakfast the military were also acknowledged and given a standing ovation. “To be able to honour the men and women that fight for our country at the event was spectacular,” stated Kuhn. And it was spectacular. The room exploded with respect and admiration as the men and women of honour stood up and received their recognition. It was an amazing moment.

At the end of the program, the audience was asked to fill out response cards and state if they accepted Christ during the program. With over 1340 people in attendance, 160 people responded, “Yes.” These people are now connected to mentors and are being guided in their faith. Praise God!

The Grey Cup Breakfast was a great success and keeps getting better every year. Dave Klassen, National Director of Pro-Chaplaincy and acting National Director of Athletes in Action, is doing an exceptional job leading pro-chaplaincy and the Grey Cup event every year. In 2012, he will be in Toronto for the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup. It will be a breakfast you won’t want to miss.

The CFL has an appreciation for Athletes in Action because of the chaplaincy program. That’s a great honour. – Rodd Sawatzky

Michael “Pinball” Clemons speaks about finding your “sweet spot” in life: Jesus Christ

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