2009/11/16

NANAIMO, BC – Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, yesterday issued the following congratulatory statement in the House of Commons regarding the 2009 Vancouver Island Raiders Football team and their third National Championship title.

In the House Lunney said.
“On Saturday the Canadian Junior Football League Championship game was hosted in Nanaimo by the Vancouver Island Raiders.

The Raiders joined the CJFL just 5 years ago.  They captured the National championship in 2006, in 2008 and this year went into the championship game against the Edmonton Wildcats undefeated.

After a season of 10 wins, no losses, the Raiders defeated the Okanagan Sun and the Surrey Rams to win the right to defend the championship against the Edmonton Wildcats.

Sunday before a sell-out crowd, the Raiders set new records defeating Edmonton 51 – 14 to win their third National championship.

Nanaimo and Vancouver Island are so proud of our team; President, Hadi Abassi, is the man with the vision – the “patron saint” of the V. I. Raiders. Hadi, along with head coach, Matt Blokker have assembled a team that has proven to be “second to none”.

On behalf of all citizens of Nanaimo-Alberni, I salute President Abassi, Coach “Snoop” the young men who suit up as V. I. Raiders and all the support team.

I am sure all members would like to join me in saying to the three time Canadian champions, the V. I. Raiders:  Congratulations! Well done!”