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A Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan who has been wearing shorts since he promised friends he wouldn’t wear pants until the Bombers win the Grey Cup touched down in Calgary for the game on Sunday.

Chris Matthew and his wife Darla Matthew were gifted last-minute flights and tickets from Shaw Communications on Saturday.

“It’s absolutely mindboggling,” Chris said after landing at Calgary International Airport on Sunday.

“I never expected any of this at all. I figured I’ll just quietly go about my way and once they win, I’ll put on the pants and continue with my life.”

His challenge, which has been ongoing for the past 18 years, has exploded since the Bombers made it to the championship this year.

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“It’s way beyond anything I ever could have expected,” Chris said.

“I certainly hope they win because I didn’t come all this way just to go back in shorts again.” Tweet This

The shorts have landed. Chris Matthew and his wife, Darla Robinson, arrive in Calgary from Winnipeg on Sunday to attend the 107th Grey Cup. Matthew will put pants on for the first time in 18 years if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers win the Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium. Courtesy: Shaw Communications

Darla was thrilled with the offer.

“I’m like, ‘You’re going to take me?!’ Because I thought he’d take his good buddy Terry but it’s very quick, and I thought, ‘I really do want to go,'” she said.

Shaw Communications said gifting the pair a trip to the Grey Cup was the natural thing to do.

“All week long, we’ve been hearing this folklore about Chris and his vow to not wear pants until the Bombers win and it just began to get more and more viral and more and more an example of the passion that Canadians have for the CFL and the Grey Cup,” said Chethan Lakshman, vice-president of external affairs with Shaw Communications.

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The Blue Bombers battle the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 107th Grey Cup at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium on Nov. 24.

Chris Matthew and Darla Robinson are greeted at Calgary International Airport by Saskatchewan Roughrider and Team Shaw member, Manny Arceneaux. Shaw Communications invited the pair to attend the 107th Grey Cup after learning that Matthew vowed 18 years ago not to wear pants until the Winnipeg Blue Bombers win the Grey Cup. Courtesy: Shaw Communications

– With files from Lisa Dutton