It was a big day at Si’em Lelum Gym on Monday, March 18 as Duncan product and Montreal Alouettes defensive end Brock Gowanlock paid a visit to the Cowichan Tribes community to present his Orange Shirt Day team warmup jersey to Cowichan Tribes chief and members of her council.
The ceremony on Monday followed a fundraising football camp over the weekend that Gowanlock, a former Cowichan Bulldog, helped the Cowichan Valley Football Association to offer area youth.
Gowanlock and the Alouettes won the 2023 Grey Cup and he brought the famous trophy on his trip home to Vancouver Island to share with the community.
“I would like to thank everybody today who came to witness Brock and his huge heart present his jersey and bring the Cup with him so the Valley can witness it, see it, and take photos of it,” said councillor Swutth’tus Calvin Swustus. “It’s always a great feeling when one of our citizens of Cowichan reach some of their goals. I’m sure Brock has many more goals in his life but to see him reach one of his milestones is awesome. It inspires us. It inspires our young ones that are on the field playing football.”
Alongside new Cowichan Tribes chief Sulsulxumaat Cindy Daniels, Cowichan youth Gabe White accepted the jersey on behalf of the First Nation.
“I would like to thank Brock for reaching out and lending a hand to teach our youth about the sport of football,” he said. “I hope this teaches our youth to reach out to the stars and know that anything’s possible through hard work and dedication.”
White himself had a stellar 2023 season, primarily on defence, with the Cowichan Bulldogs.
In front of his mother and grandparents, Cowichan youth, and more, Gowanlock was then presented with two blankets. He said he’s proud to be from the Cowichan Valley.
“Even though we are a small community we are a strong community and if we put our minds to things and put a great effort, resilience, and hard work forward all our dreams can come true.”
Following the ceremony, Gowanlock led a flag football session with Quw’utsun youth.
The 2024 CFL regular season kicks off on June 6 though Gowanlock and the Alouettes play their first preseason game on May 25 at home against the Toronto Argonauts.
READ ALSO: Duncan’s Brock Gowanlock wins Grey Cup with Alouettes