Reference N14191
Toronto Argonaut linebacker demonstrates commendable attributes of Canadian Veterans
November 28, 2014 – Vancouver – Veterans Affairs Canada
On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, accompanied by Canadian Football League (CFL) Commissioner Mark Cohon, and two Second World War Veterans, Agnes Keegan and Elsley Foulds, presented the Jack Gaudaur Veterans’ Award to Toronto Argonaut linebacker James Yurichuk.
The award, named after Jake Gaudaur, the CFL’s longest serving commissioner and distinguished Second World War Veteran, is presented annually to a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canadian Veterans in times of war, military conflict, and peace.
This year’s recipient, James Yurichuk, is a player ambassador for the Argos’ White Ribbon project, committed to helping end men’s violence against women, and is active in the team’s Huddle Up bullying-prevention program. He is known as a fearless special team 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.
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
