MONTREAL — With chests up, heads held high and eyes proud, thousands of Montrealers and Quebecers came downtown to cheer on the Alouettes.
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On Wednesday, three days after winning the Gray Cup, the Als held their parade. The three convertibles and four buses full of managers, coaches and players were followed by cheering fans on De Maisonneuve Boulevard. The convoy ended its journey at Place des Festivals, where fans and actors of the master club exchanged loving words.
Frank Voyer was in Hamilton on Sunday as the Alouettes triumphed over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was impossible for him not to attend the parade.
“For a die-hard fan like me, the parade is the ultimate ecstasy,” he explained. I wanted to see the game in person. I wanted to be there when my club lifted the trophy. The parade is the icing on the cake.”
Philippe Asselin
A long wait
The last parade by a championship team in Montreal came 13 years ago, during the Alouettes’ last coronation.
The friends Jean-François and Marc-Antoine are 30 years old. They arrived early so as not to miss any of the festivities.
“We were there 13 years ago and there was no chance we wouldn’t be there today,” the second explained, adding that they had skipped school at the time.
- Listen to journalist Alexandre Moranville-Ouellet’s report with Mario Dumont on QUB Radio:
Philippe Asselin
“It’s very important to be here to encourage our team,” said Steve Hardy. It was time for Montreal to have a winning team. I am full of happiness. I am an old man and have less ahead of me than behind. I enjoy this victory 100%.”
Even 1970’s Cheerleaders
Behind the last bus, two ladies were loudly singing an encouraging cry from the Alouettes. The two long-time friends were part of the “Sparrows” cheerleading team in the 1970s.
“We have always followed football and we love this team. “We’ve had season tickets for so long,” Kaisy said.
“This team has so much heart. They never gave up and neither did we fans. It is a moment of community today,” added Margo, noting in particular that she received the title of “Cheerleader of the Year” in 1979.
A proud neighbor
In the middle of the audience in front of the stage, Noëlla Arsenault proudly wore a jersey with the number 83 of pass catcher Régis Cibasu. Without taking anything away from the University of Montreal Carabins product, he is not the most prominent player on the team. The woman saw Cibasu growing up as he had been his neighbor for many years.
Philippe Asselin
“I’ve loved the Alouettes for a long time, but even more so since Régis played for them. It’s incredible to see my neighbor win a championship. I wanted to be there to say congratulations.”
The footballer became emotional when he was shown a photo of the woman with her vest on her back.
“It’s incredible to see this,” Cibasu said. It makes me happy and it warms my heart. Our victory is the victory of all those who take the time to encourage us!”