The B.C. Lions’ “Draft-A-Lion” program is an annual sponsorship where local companies are paired with a particular player for the full season. The company’s support is recognised alongside the player for both their on- and off-field accomplishments. Together, they champion club initiatives and community projects that support and uplift local area organizations.

The theatre at the Great Canadian Casino was buzzing in excitement and anticipation. Groups of people from 28 different organizations, all dressed in their finest suits, anxiously waited for the first draft ball. Nearby, massive pro athletes from the CFL’s B.C. Lions sat eagerly waiting for their name to be called. They’ve been through this process before. 

For assembled crowd of sponsors and supporters, a top selection would mean possibly partnering with former NCAA star and NFL veteran, Nathan Rourke, a Canadian quarterback and the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player and Top Canadian last year. A longer wait could mean looking further down the team’s roster to find a substitute who would carry the company’s sponsorship dreams for the rest of the Lions’ season.

Slowly, little by little, balls were drawn and sponsors were eliminated until only three spots remained. The third pick went to Sandman Hotel Group. It then came down to only two: Every Route Transport and Summit Steel Buildings. George Chayka, Senior Vice President of Business for the B.C. Lions football team, reached into the raffle drum and pulled a ball. Not ours. Amid cheers, fist bumps and shouts of joy, members of the Summit Steel Buildings leadership team were ecstatic to win the top spot and get the first pick in the 2026 Draft A Lion selection.

Keep reading and watch the videos on summitsteelbuildings.com

Explore related articles you won’t want to miss:

AI infrastructure demands better buildings

Beyond metal panels – Rethinking the outside look of steel buildings

• 
•