The province of Saskatchewan recognized September 4 as Rider Fan Day, in honour of the 13th man.
"We are pleased to officially recognize the role of the 13th man - the fans who support the Saskatchewan Roughriders," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "Rider fans, through their cheering, have helped sack quarterbacks, stop the running game and throw opposition receivers off their routes. The Riders and their fans are an important part of what makes Saskatchewan such a great province."
The Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club is celebrating its centennial in 2010. The club has had a great deal of success in the past few years. Solid fan support means home games are consistently sold out and sales of Rider merchandise surpass that of all other CFL teams combined.
There are many activities planned for Rider Fan Day including a parade along the "Green Mile" from Mosaic Stadium to the provincial Legislature and the unveiling of works of art by Rider fans. The exhibition called, Heart of the Rider Nation: a Centennial Art Exhibition (1910 - 2010) Celebrating the Greatest Fans on Earth, will be on display in the Cumberland Gallery in the Legislature until September 30. It will then be sold by a silent auction with the proceeds going to the George Reed Foundation.
"Many Rider fans were involved in planning Rider Fan Day and were quick to mobilize to mark the centennial for the fans," Director of Riderfan Centennial Celebration Inc. Heather Hodgson said. "That George Reed moved 'home' and is our fan patron is a huge gift to the Rider Nation. George and his wife Angie, will lead the 'Rider Fan Parade of the Century' and will help open the Rider fan art exhibition. This promises to be a fun day so I encourage every Rider fan to take part."
Trevor Selinger, also known as the "Chicken Man" at Rider Games, says Rider Fan Day is a way to recognize the support fans have given the Riders over the past century.
"As we all know Rider fans are the greatest fans in the world," Selinger said. "I and everyone I know, bleeds green from the heart. Being a Rider fan is more than just 小蓝视频 a fan, it's a way of life for us. It's very exciting to have a day dedicated to we Rider fans and for all of us to come together as a province and cheer for the greatest team on earth. Go Riders!"
Rider Fan Day officially kicks off when the parade begins at 2:30 p.m.at Mosaic Stadium. Everyone is invited to walk along with the parade.
