VANCOUVER, B.C. – Toronto Argonaut linebacker James Yurichuk has been awarded the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award for 2014.
“The Jake Gaudaur Award is a fitting tribute to the commendable and honourable attributes demonstrated by Canada’s veterans-past and present. Through commemorative events, such as the Canadian Football League Awards Ceremony, we honour the strength, comradeship and courage of those who have served,” said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
“It is a high honour to be associated in this way with Canada’s veterans, and James has earned it with his brave play on the field, and his tireless efforts in the community,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon.
Presented annually to the Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canadian veterans – strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to community – the award is named for Jake Gaudaur, the CFL’s longest serving commissioner and a distinguished Second World War veteran.
Yurichuk is a player ambassador for the Argos’ White Ribbon project, committed to helping end men’s violence against women. He is active in the team’s Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program and is known as a fearless special teams leader and linebacker on the field.
A valued friend and teammate to his fellow Argos, Yurichuk is also a volunteer amateur football coach and administrator who has organized a women’s league in Ontario and recreational games for youth in his wife, Daniela’s, native Brazil.
He champions inclusion in sport, fair play and safe play, regularly speaking to youth as part of True Sport, created at the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
Yurichuk was presented the prestigious trophy this evening at the CFL Awards by Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
“It is my privilege to represent our Government at such a special event. This prestigious award is a merging of passions, celebrating a great national pastime and creating more awareness of the extraordinary people who have served our country,” said Minister Van Loan.
Minister Van Loan was accompanied by two lifetime members of the Royal Canadian Legion: Elsely Foulds, a Second World War veteran who landed in Normandy on D Day, and Agnes Keegan, who served in the British Army from 1942 to 1946, before marrying and immigrating to Canada.
Prior to the awards ceremony, the Grey Cup was on display as part of an event held at the George Derby Centre, a residential care facility providing priority access for Veterans in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Jake Gaudaur is recognized as a Canadian hero. A Canadian fighter pilot instructor during the Second World War, he won Grey Cups both as player and an executive, before serving as Commissioner of the CFL from 1968 to 1984. His story embodies the historic bond between the league and Veterans, one that is celebrated with the presentation of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award.
The award, now in its fifth year, is part of the Veterans’ Tribute project partnership between the Canadian Football League and Veterans Affairs Canada.
Yurichuk was the unanimous selection of a committee that includes representatives of the CFL, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Football Players Association and TSN, which broadcasts all CFL games.
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