The Canton Repository Grand Parade welcomed the Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class of 2020, Class of 2021, and many returning Hall of Famers as it followed a 2.2-mile route through Canton, Ohio. 200,000 spectators attended the parade.
As part of the Class of 2020, Isaac Bruce was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the evening of August 7, 2021. Bruce invited a group of 20 Special Olympics Ohio athletes and guests to join him to share the power of inclusion through sport during the Grand Parade after being introduced to Special Olympics by his friend Tony Wyllie, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics North America. Bruce and Wyllie were both part of the Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams organization from 1994-1998, and Bruce selected Wyllie to be his presenter at the Enshrinement Ceremony.
“It was a distinct honor to present my friend Isaac Bruce into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Wyllie.
“Inviting athletes from Special Olympics Ohio to be a part of the celebration tells you everything about the kind of man Isaac was and is, both on and off the field.”
“What a privilege to be included in the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Class,” said Isaac Bruce, former NFL wide receiver, Super Bowl Champion, and four-time Pro Bowler. “Not only was I surrounded by esteemed members representing both the 2020 and 2021 classes, but I got to share this experience with my family and Special Olympics athletes from Ohio.”
Special Olympics Ohio Local Coordinator Paula Gardner walked with athletes in the parade and said, “Our athletes were very excited for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the Grand Parade! It was such an honor and privilege to carry the banner for Isaac Bruce!” The group of athletes led Bruce and Wyllie for the entirety of the parade before attending the Enshrinement Ceremony Saturday evening.
