Stampeders.com
Just when you thought the Canadian Football League’s Pink initiative was as visible as possible, think again.
Yes, the Calgary Stampeders will have pink on their gloves, their spats and other items of clothing this week against Hamilton, but they’ll be going one step further. A couple of their burly offensive linemen will have pink beards. Yes, beards.
The pair of center John Gott and lineman Obby Khan have plans to die their beards, if certain donation levels are met.
This unique contribution to the cause is all in aid of the Pink Power Campaign, spearheaded by Calgary veteran Randy Chevrier.
| A personal cause |
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Randy Chevrier’s connection to the Pink Power cause is more than just a good will gesture by the well-respected Chevrier. His mother, Carla, is a breast cancer survivor. Last year, he had some support from former professional wrestler Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart to help spread awareness. |
“Jon Gott donated his beard to the cause if we get to $5000 on Twitter,” said Chevrier, “and Obby Khan has donated his beard if we get to $7000 by Saturday, then he’ll have a pink beard.”
The enthusiasm for the project has spread through the Stampeders dressing room, with defensive lineman Cory Mace also involved.
“Cory’s has really jumped on board helping out, really pushing it on Twitter,” noted Chevrier, “he has been helping and talking it up in any interviews and things .”
For his part, Mace has been spotted in the Stampeders dressing room sporting a pair of pink cleats.
The connection to the Pink Power cause is more than just a good will gesture by the well-respected Chevrier. His mother, Carla, is a breast cancer survivor.
“It was a few years ago that she was diagnosed. This all happened just before camp when I was going to the Cincinnati Bengals camp,” reflected Chevrier,”it was tough not being there for the whole treatment and everything.”
Chevrier has been attached to the cause right from the start of Calgary’s involvement in the project.
“We started this five years ago” noted Chevrier. “At that time Wes Lysack was our rep, but when Wes left, it was an opportunity and I asked to be the spokesperson for the cause. The fans can be involved, whether it is wearing the pink paraphernalia and the players are getting involved with wearing pink gear. But the most important thing is awareness and keep it out there.”
The Pink Power Game is a very significant community venture but the actual contest has plenty of significance as well. The visiting Hamilton Tiger Cats are clawing for their playoff lives. Meanwhile, Calgary could leave McMahon Stadium Saturday night, with a home playoff date in their back pocket. A Montreal win over Saskatchewan earlier in the day, combined with a Stampeder win over the TiCats would give Calgary a home playoff date.
Of course, another story line to the game is the return of long-time Calgary Stampeder quarterback Henry Burris. This game will be his first at McMahon Stadium following the off-season trade to the Tiger Cats.
There is plenty of anticipation in the air to see the man who quarterbacked the Stampeders to a Grey Cup in 2008 and was a very visible presence during his days with the team. In fact, Burris will maintain Calgary as his off-season home.
Between Pink Power, scraggly pink beards, a significant game and the return of Henry Burris, it should be a very exciting night in Calgary.
