The oddsmakers may have the Calgary Stampeders as slight favourites in Sunday’s 100th Grey Cup, but Mayor Rob Ford has his own prediction.
“I’m predicting 30-21 for Toronto,” Ford told CP24 Saturday afternoon after trading jerseys with his Calgary counterpart Naheed Nenshi at Nathan Phillips Square. “We are going to beat them by nine.”
In addition to civic pride, something else will be up for grabs when the Argos and Stampeders take the field before a sold out Rogers Centre crowd Sunday at 6 p.m.
As part of a friendly Grey Cup bet, Ford and Nenshi have agreed that the mayor of the losing team’s city will have to donate their weight in food to the local food bank in the winning team’s city. The loser will also be stuck wearing the other team’s jersey during an upcoming council meeting.
“Rob will be donating his weight in food to the Calgary food bank on Monday and I have had them set aside a lot of space for not only his donation but also for the donations of all the other Torontonians,” a confident Nenshi told CP24 as Ford looked on. “We are encouraging everyone in Canada that is making a bet on this game to make a bet for your local food bank.”
Saturday’s event was organized by Calgary’s Grey Cup committee and included the jersey swapping, a little trash talking and a pancake breakfast in which both Nenshi and Ford helped out.
The event was also attended by Alberta Premier Alison Redford.
Speaking with CP24 Nenshi , who was born in Toronto, said he’s been impressed with how much the city has gotten behind the Argos and the big game.
“If I had a criticism as someone who is a bred Calgarian, who bleeds Stampeders red, I’ve never understood why this city never got behind its football team but I think for the 100th Grey Cup we are really seeing this city come out,” he said. “It’s the two great cities of Canada playing one and another in the 100th Grey Cup. That’s pretty awesome.”
“We have done a phenomenal job,” Ford added. “You know me and football. I’m like a little kid at Christmas. I just want to thank everyone for coming and visiting this great city. I hope they spend lots of money.”
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