Hamilton’s James Street sees first full day of Grey Cup Fan Central

There’s lots happening in the City of Hamilton as Grey Cup festivities get under way at Fan Central on James Street.

One event this morning was the YWCA Hamilton Rise And Shine Young Trailblazers Breakfast which was hosted in honour of the RISE Collective.

It’s a youth-led collective that amplifies the voices of young women, non-binary and gender fluid youth in Hamilton.

They have partnered with the 110th Grey Cup Festival to host this morning’s program focused on equity, diversity and inclusion within sports.

READ MORE: Grey Cup road closures to begin taking effect in downtown Hamilton

Famous basketball player and Hamilton native, Kia Nurse was the keynote speaker for the breakfast.

Nurse plays for the WNBA Seattle Storm, but is in Hamilton in her off season.

“There is a big difference between these two organizations, but when we come together, even as a society and as a community, it’s when we embrace those differences and celebrate them that we find the best success,” Nurse said.

Hannah Pollack is 13-years-old and says she’s very excited to learn new things about the YWCA.

“I feel like it’s very important for everyone to be here and you can meet new people,” Pollack said.

READ MORE: Grey Cup trophy makes its grand entrance into Hamilton

Then around lunchtime, everyone gathered to see the Grey Cup officially being brought to Downtown Hamilton to launch Fan Central on James Street.

Randy Ambrose, commissioner of the CFL, says he’s excited to see the crowds.

“Grey Cup has been bringing Canadians together, it’s been a symbol of national unity, it’s giving us an opportunity to come together over the next few days and be Canadians together,” Ambrose said.

There is entertainment for everyone at Fan Central on James Street, including food trucks with everything from funnel cakes to Jamaican food.