The 2001 Canton Mayor's Breakfast
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Members of the Class of 2001 take the stage at the Canton Civic Center. |
The Class of 2001 took center stage for the first time as the highlight of Friday's festivities at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Each of the members of the class, Nick Buoniconti, Marv Levy, Mike Munchak, Jackie Slater, Lynn Swann, Ron Yary, and Jack Youngblood were presented by keynote speaker . Each in turn was presented with his Hall of Fame NFL Alumni Gold Jacket in front of more than one thousand cheering fans.
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Len Shapiro |
Other contributors to pro football were honored as well. The NFL's head groundskeeper, the "God of Sod" George Toma, was presented with the Pioneer Award for innovative contributions to the professional football. Len Shapiro of the Washington Post was presented the Dick McCann Award by the Pro Football Writers of America for distinguished football reporting. The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award was presented to ABC's Frank Gifford, who accepted on behalf of ABC News Chairman Roone Arledge. Arledge's contributions to the game included ABC's Monday Night Football broadcast.
Other events are taking place in Canton and on the grounds of the Fall of Fame. The NFL Experience continues throughout the weekend, with a variety of games and activities for all ages. The Hall of Fame is also staging autograph sessions featuring the Class of 2001 and many returning Hall of Famers. The main event, the Class of 2001 Induction Ceremony, will take place Saturday at 11:30am on the front steps of the Hall of Fame.