Darrell Fox, Brother of Terry Fox, to Commemorate 35th Anniversary of Famous Kick

On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research when he dipped his right leg, the artificial one, into the Atlantic Ocean, some 7,000 kilometers from the Pacific and his home in British Columbia.

Later that same year in late June, Terry Fox entered Ontario at Hawkesbury and made it to Ottawa, where on Canada Day he attended an Ottawa Rough Riders pre-season game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders and performed a ceremonial kick-off. Fox received a standing ovation from over 16,000 spectators, players and coaches that day at Lansdowne Park.

Terry Fox noted in his journal the excitement of receiving such a rousing welcome, and that the football fans had helped him comprehend how deeply touched Canadians were becoming by his efforts.

This Sunday, the Ottawa REDBLACKS of the Canadian Football League will be honoured to host Darrell Fox, brother of Terry Fox, who will perform a ceremonial kick-off prior to the team’s game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at TD Place, to commemorate the same kick that Terry Fox made at the same spot 35 years ago.

“Terry Fox is a Canadian hero and we’re honoured to welcome his brother, Darrell, to TD Place,” said Jeff Hunt, President of Sports for the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group. “The spirit and inspiration of Terry Fox shines brightest each September during the Terry Fox Run, and I encourage all our fans, members of #RNation, to support the Terry Fox Run by participating, volunteering or making a donation.”

This year, the Terry Fox Run will take place on Sunday, September 20.

Find out more about the Terry Fox Run and how you can help at the Terry Fox Foundation website.