Saskatchewan government proclaims George Reed Day to honour football legend

The Saskatchewan government has proclaimed Oct. 7 as George Reed Day to honour one of the Canadian Football League's greatest players.

Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds announced the proclamation Thursday.

Reed, one of the league's most dominant rushers, died earlier this week before his 84th birthday.

"He was a proud man, he was a great man," Georgette Reed, the football star's daughter, said during the announcement.

She said her father was most proud of living in Saskatchewan. He moved to the province roughly 60 years ago to play for the Riders.

"He didn't even know where Regina was. He drove by it twice," she said with a chuckle.

"Once he got here, he realized that this was a place where he can make so many dreams come true. Dreams for our family, dreams for the Roughriders and dreams for the province."

Moe presented Georgette Reed with an official certificate to mark the day. A book of condolences has been set up in the main foyer of the legislative building for people to sign.

"There will always be one common theme running through everyone's individual reflections of George. And that would be his generosity of spirit, generosity of his time," Moe said.

Reed was the league's all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns upon his retirement in 1975.

The premier said Reed was not only an exemplary player, but someone who gave back to the community.

He played a significant role in Special Olympics Saskatchewan, an organization that's dedicated to enriching the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through sport.

This is the third time Reed has been formally recognized this way.

About 50 years ago, the City of Regina declared that Oct. 7,1973, would be