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Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
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Quote:
"The phrase was forged after the 1987 tornado that killed 27 people and injured hundreds more. It was dedicated to the volunteers who cleaned up the city in the devastating aftermath.
"[Coun. Tony] Caterina said he’s received about a dozen calls from people in the last two weeks who want to bring the slogan back. He pointed to volunteer efforts after the Fort McMurray wildfire as one reason to rekindle the phrase."
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We are all well aware of the "legend" behind the erection of the original City of Champions sign, but I continue to maintain that this is total bunk. IF the city was in fact exclusively concerned to pay tribute to the good people who volunteered their time and good will to help their community, then why the hell would it identify these people as "champions" as opposed to a more natural and clear term like "heroes"? Or to brand the city itself as the City of "courage" or "valour"?
No. While the event of the 1987 tornado prompted the erection of the sign in general, it's actual motto was in no small measure a tribute to the success of the three-time Stanley Cup champion Oilers team, and the multiple Grey Cups won by the Eskimos of the past decade.
The reason this discussion has been resurrected is no different: Yes, the city wants to pay respect to its good citizens, but there is an implicit wish here to valourise their NHL hockey team that has played 13 playoff games for the first time in a decade.