This week I spent a few hours at a very small Saskatchewan school where I was asked to perform for their celebration of the virtue of zeal. I had my own ideas of what zeal meant, but I don't use the word often, so I grabbed the trusty thesaurus and flipped to the back. On the second to last page in a group of only nine words beginning with z I found what I was looking for.
I scanned the list. There were the words devotion, eagerness, energy, passion, soul and enthusiasm. I thought the list could use another phrase; "Saskatchewan Roughrider Fans."
Throughout this year of 100th anniversary celebrations I've seen even more green than usual. People in Rider gear have always been easy to spot and there were always some businesses and vehicles flying flags, but this year has been different. This year communities across the province have shown their passion, devotion and creativity in painting Saskatchewan green.
I've seen fans sporting Rider hats, jackets and shirts throughout North America. I've photographed tattoos proving an undying love for the team and I've listened to and read about the history of football in the province.
Making it to the Grey Cup in the 100th anniversary year is enough to inspire songs, poetry and will maybe lead to a movie someday, one of those feel-good tributes to hope, dedication and unconditional love.
Those connected to this province in any way have declared their support for the Riders and I expect Edmonton will be a Saskatchewan city this weekend. In our sparsely populated land we are drawn together by a short history, the survival in the cold and community.
Not everyone is a football fan or a Rider fan, but even some who aren't appreciate the pride in the sense of shared identity it creates. In this season as we look forward to months of drudgery, just getting where we need to go on icy roads and through drifts of snow and facing the bitter cold, it won't be too cold or too far for the fans to celebrate this moment in Roughrider history.
A win this weekend will be the icing on the cake, the celebration of a century,and a dream come true for all those in this white cold land dreaming of a green Christmas.
