"David Cynamon's investment in York Lions Football is a tremendous show of confidence in our student-athletes and the future of our program. His generosity will allow us to enhance the student-athlete experience and create more opportunities for our players to reach their potential, both on and off the field. I'm personally grateful to David for believing in our vision and helping us build a stronger foundation for the next generation of Lions," says Football head coach Dexter Janke.
David is a former Toronto Argonauts franchise owner who saw the team take the Grey Cup in 2004. Raised in Edmonton, Alta., he would work the stands at Clarke Stadium selling 50-cent footlongs for his father's business. David studied at York in the early 80s where he was also a receiver for the Yeoman under storied head coach Frank Cosentino. He went on to start a number of businesses and is the co-founder of K2 Pure Solutions, where he serves as executive chairman, and is a volunteer for several not-for-profits.
Donor David Cynamon, shown wearing #22 for the York Yeoman in the early 1980s, standing next to Coach Frank Cosentino. Credit: York University/York Lions.
"As a York alumnus and former Yeoman, David Cynamon knows better than anyone what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete. With this transformative gift, we will undoubtedly enhance the physical, mental and educational well-being of hundreds of students for years to come, and provide a competitive advantage to the program," says Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor of York University. "This marks a historic milestone as the single largest gift ever received by York Athletics & Recreation, and it is only fitting that it comes from someone so passionate about Canadian football and the health and wellness of our student-athletes."
The York Men's Football team played their first season in 1968 as the Yeoman, and by 1971 they had their first player drafted to the CFL. While the Lions last made it to the playoffs 22 years ago, the team has again been making noticeable gains under Janke, a former CFL defensive back with the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Last Saturday, the Lions beat rivals Toronto Varsity Blues in their third consecutive Red and Blue Bowl. They are on a two-game winning streak, and a victory at their final home game tomorrow at York Lions Stadium will earn them a long-awaited playoff berth.
In gratitude for this incredible contribution, David, his wife Stacey and his family will attend the game this Saturday and will be invited to join the ceremonial coin toss. He says he has taken notice of the changes under new program leadership, inspiring him to give back now. He hopes the gift will help York recruit top-end student-athletes, get more alumni re-engaged with the football program, and inspire more donors to step up and support.
"York University and its football program are a significant piece of what helped set me on my path in life," says Cynamon. "I clearly remember the struggles many of us had balancing sport and our education, and I hope that with this commitment to the program, some of those barriers may be reduced or eliminated. I'm proud to call myself a York Yeomen/Lion, and even prouder to directly support and impact the program's student-athletes."
