Mr. Speaker, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of Brantford Bisons amateur football, and what a remarkable 50 years it has been. From 1964 to 1982, the team was a playoff contender 16 times, winning provincial championships in 1996 and 1968. The Bisons' alumni have raised over $2.5 million, which was donated to many worthy causes.
Resurrected in 1991, the franchise has since grown from 40 players to a sporting institution, with teams and athletes from Timbits to the varsity level. Bisons' players have gone on to succeed at every level of the game, from university right up to the NFL.
For over 50 years, thousands of players, volunteers, coaches, and fans have been part of the Bisons family. The Bison name holds a special place among people from every walk of life in our community.
I ask members to join me in wishing the Brantford Bisons a memorable 2014 and many more years of success.