TheJake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy is presented annually to theCanadian Football League (CFL) player "who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada's veterans in times of war, peace and military conflict."[1] The award was first presented in 2010, and the first recipient wasMike McCullough of theSaskatchewan Roughriders.[1]
The award is presented by the CFL andVeterans Affairs Canada to jointly recognize the contributions of Gaudaur and the sacrifices of Canada's military veterans.Jake Gaudaur, the award's namesake, served as CFL Commissioner from1968 until1984, after playing for theToronto Argonauts,Hamilton Tiger-Cats andMontreal Alouettes.[2] He served as a pilot in theRoyal Canadian Air Force duringWorld War II.[2]
As with other CFL awards, the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy is presented duringGrey Cup week. For the inaugural award, current Minister of Veterans AffairsJean-Pierre Blackburn was on hand to present the trophy to McCullough.[3] The Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy was established as part of the CFL's 2010 Veterans Tribute, a series of activities organized by the league to commemorate "the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans during times of war, military conflict and peace."[4]
The judges involved in selecting the winner for the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy in 2010 included CFL CommissionerMark Cohon, broadcasterGlen Suitor, CFL Players Association presidentStu Laird, Dominion Treasurer of theRoyal Canadian Legion Michael Cook and Assistant Deputy Minister for Service Delivery and Commemoration, Veterans Affairs CanadaKeith Hillier.[5] The judges selected McCullough based on his perseverance, comradeship, community service, strength and courage.[5]
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