COMMISSIONER ORRIDGE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF NORMIE KWONG

TORONTO - Statement from Canadian Football League Commissioner, Jeffrey L. Orridge on the recent passing of Normie Kwong :

It is with deep sadness that we learn today of the death of Normie Kwong. It is with the utmost respect, even awe, that we reflect on his life. His parents adopted our country as immigrants: they came here seeking opportunity and he siezed it, time and time again. Our first Chinese-Canadian player, he was a dominant running back in Edmonton and Calgary from 1948 to 1960. But while his playing career was the stuff of legends, it was just the start for Normie Kwong, a trailblazer on and off the field. He went on to become a football executive, a business leader, a voice for multiculturalism, the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta and a member of the Order of Canada. Part of the ownership group that brought the Flames to Calgary, Kwong has his name engraved on the Stanley Cup as well as our Grey Cup. In fact, we in the CFL are proud that he is a four-time Grey Cup champion. But Kwong's greatest legacy may be what he championed: respect for all while giving one's all. Rare is the person who holds a place in our record books and our history books and our hearts. Normie Kwong does and always will.