Ryan Reynolds has become a hero in Wrexham but his achievements have now been recognised in his home country of Canada.
Wrexham’s rise under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
McElhenney and Reynolds paid £2million for Wrexham in 2021 and the club has been on quite the journey since that deal was done.
Wrexham have clinched back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons and are now going for another.
Phil Parkinson has Wrexham sitting third in the League One table with promotion to the Championship a genuine goal.
McElhenney and Reynolds have catapulted Wrexham into a new stratosphere both on and off the pitch with the club attracting interest from all over the globe.
Ryan Reynolds honoured in Canada
Bringing success to the football club will always make you popular, but McElhenney and Reynolds have placed a keen focus on the Wrexham community too.
‘Welcome to Wrexham’ really showcases the people of Wrexham as well as the club, with that emotional understanding certainly appreciated in Wrexham.
Reynolds was in Wrexham with Channing Tatum last week and probably never has to buy a drink in Wrexham again – despite his wealth!
Wrexham fans have so much love for Reynolds but he has now been honoured back in Canada too.
Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, announced 88 new appointments to the ‘Order of Canada’ on Wednesday.
Reynolds featured on that list, receiving the ‘officer’ grade – essentially equivalent to receiving an OBE in Great Britain.
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries. Thank you for your perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit, and welcome to the Order of Canada,” said Simon, with Reynolds viewed as being somebody who fit the description.
A specific explanation of why Reynolds has received this honour was also given, with his philanthropy and artistry praised.
“Ryan Reynolds has captivated audiences worldwide, notably writing, producing and starring in the widely successful Deadpool films. Off-screen, he supports Canadian causes including Water First Education, Covenant House Vancouver and Sick Kids Foundation, and co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for under-represented groups. His far-reaching philanthropy continues to strengthen communities nationwide,” said Simon.
Reynolds still as involved at Wrexham as ever
Wrexham fans will certainly congratulate Reynolds on this great honour whenever he visits again.
Seeing Reynolds at the STōK Cae Ras last weekend was great for everybody around the club and we have no doubts about his commitment to the club.
We are perhaps used to seeing owners sitting in the stands on a regular basis; visions of Roman Abramovich celebrating Chelsea goals at Stamford Bridge spring to mind.
McElhenney and Reynolds are often busy in North America, so their visits to Wrexham are fairly infrequent.
That may give the view of owners not being interested but Reynolds has committed his future to Wrexham, playing down any idea of him backing away.
Wrexham have taken on new investors in the Allyn family but Reynolds made it clear – he and McElhenney are going nowhere.
Reynolds and McElhenney have also made a big change to the Wrexham fan zone, reversing a mistake they made over the summer.
The Hollywood duo may be on the other side of the world, but they are as committed to the Wrexham cause as ever before.