God in focus at Grey Cup
by Cindy Stephen

Next to the beer-laden, whiskey swilling hospitality suites at the Convention Centre during this month’s Grey Cup festivities, you’ll find the Locker Room. It won’t be full of smelly equipment and stinky cleats. In this room, Christian players from the CFL who belong to faith-based Athletes in Action (AIA) will have traded sweat for the sweet sound of prayer and fellowship.

"It’s a touchy feely non-alcoholic option for the football fans," said Calgary Stampeders Chaplain Rodd Sawatsky who is heavily involved in Grey Cup plans on behalf of Athletes in Action. "It’ll be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Convention Centre. There will be players there signing autographs, videos playing and a juice bar."

Other players from across the league, whose availability as of press time have not yet been determined due to playoff scheduling, will be in Calgary to celebrate Grey Cup and share their passion for Christ at Calgary schools.

"They’ll be speaking at some Catholic schools and private Christian schools assemblies. If they visit schools in the public system, they’ll just have a nice, moral message," Sawatsky explained.

First Alliance will hold a youth night on Nov. 27 called The Red Zone, held in conjunction with Youth for Christ and Young Life. Then, several churches across Calgary will be visited Grey Cup morning by players eager to share their personal testimonies.

Calgary Stampeder Dwaine Carpenter avoiding a tackle by Saskatchewan’s Rob Bagg. Carpenter lives his
faith on and off the fi eld and is a key leader in Athletes in Action. — photo courtesy Stampeder Football Club

However, the biggest event sponsored by Athletes in Action is the Grey Cup Breakfast, which has been held the Saturday morning before Grey Cup for over 30 years. Players such as Henry Burris, Kenyon Rambo, Anthony Calvillo, Kerry Joseph, Wally Buono, Michael "Pinball" Clemons and other CFL stars have helped make this event a highlight of the Grey Cup festivities.  What makes the breakfast so unique is the fact that the players share not only football stories but also their life stories and attendees are given a rare glimpse into the men behind the uniforms. The last time the Grey Cup was held in Calgary, more than 1,200 people attended.

The goal of Athletes in Action is to help athletes use the platform they have to be a positive influence in the lives of others. CFL players such as Henry Burris and Derek Armstrong have a strong AIA profile, but the association itself has been a support for the two players throughout their careers.

"There are a lot of ups and downs the guys go through both on and off the field. AIA helps us all learn and learning about the different challenges you face and spiritually how you can overcome those," said Burris. "Football is a game of life – you’re always going to face your highs and lows and the thing is, you have to stay persistent and consistent through it all as far as being yourself."

The Stamps quarterback said be believes if there aren’t any highs and lows then life wouldn’t be fun and the same goes for football.

"That’s why AIA has always been good for me. It keeps me humble and they’re always there in bad times to make sure I keep the faith up."

Armstrong, currently on the team’s injured list, became a Christian while playing college football and believes that he’s only gotten as far as he has in his career through the grace of God.

"My role is different now, even though I’m still part of the team. Sometimes it’s hard (not playing) but I know I’m there for a purpose. If I didn’t understand God’s grace or know what it means to serve, my attitude might be different," said Armstrong, who attends the Freedom House Church downstairs at the Calgary Dream Centre.

Armstrong has been on a mission’s trip to Africa through AIA and is hoping to be a part of this year’s Grey Cup Breakfast.

"I’m a Christian who just happens to play football," said Armstrong. "My faith is the only reason why I’ve made it this far."

The Grey Cup Breakfast will be held Nov. 28 from 8:00am to 10:00am at the Hyatt Regency. Tickets are available at www.greycupbreakfast.ca. The Locker Room at the Convention Centre and The Red Zone are free to the public.