War Amps Congratulates CFL’s Reynolds as 2009 Nicklin Winner
OTTAWA, ON, November 27, 2009 – With the 2009 Grey Cup approaching, The War Amps has written Calgary Stampeders running back Joffrey Reynolds to congratulate him for his selection as the 2009 winner of the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy, presented by the Canadian Football League to the most outstanding player in the West Division.
The War Amps has a special connection to the Award, having released an internationally award-winning documentary about Jeff Nicklin and playing a key role with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Association and the CFL in the rededication of the Award in 2006.
Jeff Nicklin: Hero of the Gridiron and the Battlefield tells of this Winnipeg Blue Bombers all-star, including his role in the Winnipeg Grey Cup victories of 1935 and 1939. He cut short his football career to join the Royal Winnipeg Rifles at the start of World War II. In 1942, he volunteered for the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and rose through the ranks to become Commanding Officer. One of the first to land on D-Day, his leadership earned him a Mention in Despatches, a military award for gallantry. He was killed in action while leading his paratroopers on the drop into the Rhineland on March 24, 1945.
War Amps CEO Cliff Chadderton, who produced and appears in the film, was a good friend of Jeff Nicklin. Both from Winnipeg, they served together in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and played hockey for the Regiment team.
Mr. Chadderton has sent Joffrey Reynolds a copy of the documentary, along with a letter that states, “The Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy will, for all time, stand for courage and honour on the gridiron and on the battlefield.“
Like all War Amps documentaries, Jeff Nicklin: Hero of the Gridiron and the Battlefield was funded by corporate donations. It has been distributed to regular, specialty and community channels across Canada, and is available at a cost-recovery price of $11 by calling toll-free 1 800 250-3030, faxing toll-free 1 800 219-8988 or online.