BOB ACKLES TRIBUTE FINALIZED

(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club announced today the organization’s initial plans for honouring late president and CEO Bob Ackles. 

Beginning Friday, July 11th for their game versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and carrying through the 2008 season, coaches and staff will wear a commemorative decal and patch. 

Set in the club’s colours of black, orange and white and circular in shape, the design includes the Lions’ original 1954 primary mark, the orange paw, set on a black background with “BOB” in the centre.  The paw print also represents the lasting impact Bob has made on our community. Ackles’ motivational quote for staff upon returning to the Lions in 2002, “Be the best that you can be,” is also displayed along the bottom of the decal. 

In addition to appearing on the helmets of Lions players, all amateur football players across the province of British Columbia will also have the decal displayed. In total, approximately 10,000 players participating in every level of amateur football including community, high school, the BCFC and both universities (Simon Fraser and UBC) will don helmets emblazoned with the Ackles mark for the 2008 season.

When the Lions return home on July 18th to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers they will do so on a field displaying a similar circular logo at centerfield measuring approximately 10 yards in diameter. The “BOB” field logo will be in place for one game.

The club also announced that all fans in attendance on Friday, July 18th will receive a commemorative button featuring similar elements as the team’s helmet decal – this one highlighting Bob’s full name. In addition, a gold lapel pin of similar design will be available at the game for $5.00 plus applicable taxes with all net proceeds going to Bob’s newly-formed plan of creating a British Columbia Football Hall of Fame.

The club will have a special post game observance to honour Bob slated to begin immediately following the game. Included in the ceremony will be Bob’s induction onto the BC Lions Ring of Honour.

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has also declared that July 18th will be proclaimed Bob Ackles Day in conjunction with the organization’s tribute.

Click here to view the Lions' plans for honouring late president & CEO Bob Ackles.