Media advisory - Naval challenge for the Grey Cup

QUEBEC , Nov. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - At this Sunday's Grey Cup game, fans of the Montréal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders serving in Naval Reserve Divisions HMCS DONNACONA in Montréal and HMCS QUEEN in Regina, along with sailors serving on HMC Ships MONTREAL and REGINA will be cheering for their teams.

Each of the four naval units has put up $250 for a total of $1 000 to be donated to a charity in the winning city. Regina's Executive Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Paul Francoeur , a native of Moose Jaw, Sask., and life-long Riders fan, says: "Our ship's company is proud to support the Roughriders, however; the good thing about this challenge is that a charity will benefit, regardless of the outcome on the field."

As we speak HMCS MONTREAL and REGINA are flying their respective team flags this week. If the Alouettes take the cup, REGINA will fly the Montréal Alouettes flag for a full week following the game; otherwise MONTREAL will fly a Riders flag. The Commanding Officer of QUEEN will wear an Als jersey on their next training night to mark the Alouettes victory or, should the universe not unfold according to her plan, the DONNACONA CO will wear a Riders jersey.

Namesake city events are conducted by HMC ships as a way to bolster the relationship between the cities and the ships that share their name. These activities enable the Canadian Navy to gain exposure and bring awareness of naval activities to inland regions of Canada . Since the Canadian Navy came into existence in 1910, more than 300 warships have shared their names with Canadian cities and towns.

For further information: Lt(N) Jocelyn Laroche, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]; www.resnav.forces.gc.ca