CFL gears up to celebrate diversity

The CFL will once again celebrate its diversity this season.

Last year marked the league’s first Diversity is Strength campaign in honour of trailblazers in CFL history.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie spoke on the Greg Morgan Morning Show Tuesday, saying players and fans have already begun to wear the Diversity is Strength T-shirts they picked up last season.

“What started last year which was supposed to be a very simple thing, recognizing the history of our diversity and the league and because of circumstances in the world, it really took off,” Ambrosie said.

He said during his travels across Canada and in the world, people have told him about how great the campaign has been.

“In a classically Canadian way, we’re humble about how powerful this message is but I think people have noticed and appreciated what we’re all doing together,” Ambrosie said.

He said the feedback from players has been great and they are proud to be a part of the campaign.

Ambrosie said players who come from outside of the country often can feel Canada is different when it come to including everyone.

“There’s a welcoming of inclusiveness that makes Canada very cool and I believe the best country in the world and we feel that when we’re talking to the players all the time.”

Ambrosie also said they are encouraging the fans to celebrate their own history and roots at the stadiums.

“It’s been part of what’s made our country great, its been part of what’s made our league great.”

The Diversity is Strength T-shirts were a massive hit last year and are once again for sale this season but with a bit of a twist — each team will have an exclusive honouree featured on its own shirt.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ will be honouring two-time Grey Cup Champion Neal Hughes, who is Métis, at the Aug. 19 game against the Calgary Stampeders.