Jersey Day

Jersey Day History

Jersey Day encourages Canadians to wear their favorite sports team's jersey to show support for their team and promote unity among sports enthusiasts. The observance provides an opportunity for fans to demonstrate their passion for their chosen team and, at the same time, recognize Canada's rich sporting history and traditions. As a result, sports clothing and team apparel stores often experience a surge in sales in the lead-up to Jersey Day, contributing to the Canadian economy.

Though there is no concrete history surrounding the inception of Jersey Day, the tradition of wearing jerseys and team apparel traces back to the 19th century when people wore knitted wool garments as informal uniforms for various sports. As Canada is a nation passionate about its sports, Jersey Day has grown in popularity over the years and now sees participation from schools, workplaces, and communities across the nation. Hockey, being Canada's favored sport, often dominates Jersey Day, with fans donning the jerseys of their favorite National Hockey League (NHL) teams.

In Canada, Jersey Day is typically observed by individuals sporting their team's jersey in public places such as offices, schools, and sports events to celebrate their love for sports and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Fans can be seen wearing jerseys of various teams from different sports, including hockey, football, basketball, and more, depending on their personal preferences. Although the observance does not have a specific date, Jersey Day has become an essential part of Canada's sporting culture, bringing people together to create a sense of camaraderie and community spirit.

Top facts about Jersey Day

• The idea for #JerseysforHumboldt was proposed on Facebook in 2018 by a group of hockey parents in British Columbia. Their aim was to show support for the families of the Humboldt Broncos.
• According to the Ontario Provincial Police, in 2023, more than 10,000 people were charged with impaired driving.
  According to the Canadian Transportation Safety Board, in 2022, there were more than 160,000 car accidents, about 2,850 of them resulted in deaths.
• In support of the families of the Humboldt Broncos, I’m encouraging everyone in Toronto to wear a hockey jersey or green & gold today to show their support & pay tribute to the memory of those lost in last week’s tragic bus crash. - Toronto Mayor John Tory (2018)
• People are encouraged to wear the jersey of any sport, team, or athlete that they support, whether it be local, regional, national or international.
• The concept of Jersey Day sprung out of a television spot that aired during the broadcast of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

In the News and Trending for Jersey Day

Top things to do for Jersey Day

• Wear sports jersey or the Bronco's green and gold to honour the victims of the Humboldt crash.
• Use the tag @remssathletics and post on social media using the hashtag #HumboldtStrong to show support for the team members and families of the Humboldt Broncos.
• Watch a tribute video that remembers those who lost their lives.
• Watch Nash: The Documentary (2013), a film about the journey of Steve Nash, one of the greatest Canadian basketball players.