‘TIME OF MY LIFE’: Scott Russell bids emotional farewell

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Award-winning broadcaster Scott Russell shared an emotional thank you to Canadians after signing off for the last time for CBC Sports over the weekend.

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Russell, who has spent 40 years with the broadcaster in several roles, announced in late June that he was retiring and the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer were to be his last.

On Sunday, the Canadian Screen Award and Gemini Award winner helped wrap up the Paralympics competition for CBC, which was shared to social media.

“You know, these games lasted for 12 days, but they have given us thousands of memories and countless wonderful performances,” he said of the competition which saw Canada win 29 medals including 10 gold.

“And what’s not to like about this kind of sport? I mean, people of every place, every country, every orientation, every ability all in one place at one time to see what is humanly possible.

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“And that really is the beauty of sport. It’s a universal language because it brings us together and it helps us find some common ground. I love that.”

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Russell then took some time to thank co-workers as well as viewers who followed his long career covering sports for Canadians.

“I want to take a personal note,” he said. “This is my last broadcast as a host at CBC Sports, and I want to take a moment to thank all of my colleagues who I have worked with over the years. It’s been wonderful to be in your company.

“I want to thank all of my friends in Canadian sport, the athletes, the coaches, the volunteers and the leaders. You are doing absolutely great things and I want to thank you, the audience, for sharing everything with us.

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Russell reflected on his career and became emotional at the end of the broadcast, grateful to have worked so long in the industry.

“I don’t know about you, but I’ve had the time of my life,” he said fighting back tears. “Thank you.”

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Russell, a 66-year-old native of Oshawa, covered 17 Olympic Games for CBC, including seven as host. He also worked six Commonwealth Games, two FIFA World Cups and the Women’s World Cup twice.

From 1989 until 2003, and then from 2005 to this spring, Russell was a rinkside reporter on Hockey Night in Canada.

When he announced his retirement, Russell said that he will be taking on a role as a chancellor at Nipissing University in North Bay for a four-year term.

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