| BMO
Contribution to Athletes Fund tops $1.2 Million
VANCOUVER,
BC, January 17, 2008 – Tonight at the 2008 BMO Canadian
Figure Skating Championships, the title sponsor presented a $100,000 donation
to the Skate Canada Athlete Fund. Bill Downe, President and CEO, made the
presentation on behalf of the BMO Financial Group.
“As Canada’s First Bank and Canada’s skating bank, BMO Financial
Group is extremely proud of the ongoing perseverance and ambition that our skaters
demonstrate at all levels of the sport right across the country. On behalf of
all of us at BMO, it’s rewarding that our donation today of $100,000 to
the Athlete Fund will help young skaters to pursue their aspirations and strive
for competitive excellence,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive
Officer, BMO Financial Group.
Skate Canada CEO William Thompson acknowledged the significance of BMO’s
long-standing contribution to the Athlete Fund. “This cheque is indicative
of BMO’s commitment to developing skating here in Canada. Their long-term
financial support, now spanning over 12 years, has directly contributed to our
skaters’ training, travel, and coaching. With their combined donations
to the Fund now reaching $1.2 million, we want to express our sincere appreciation
on behalf of all the skaters they have assisted through the years.”
Olympic bronze medalist,
and co-captain of Canada’s Senior National
Team, Jeff Buttle, who is defending his Canadian Men’s title at
the event, accepted the cheque from Bill Downe.
The Skate Canada Athlete Fund was established in 1982 to encourage
the development of figure skating in Canada by providing financial
assistance to athletes. Grants from the fund assist athletes with their
training and development. The support of corporations and individual
donors through the fund allows Skate Canada athletes to pursue and
achieve their goals. More than $600,000 are distributed to athletes
every year.
-30- Skate Canada, the national governing body responsible for the development
and administration of figure skating in Canada, is the largest figure
skating association in the world. With skating programs for athletes
of all ages, offered at 1303 clubs and 60 skating schools* across the
country, Skate Canada is an association dedicated to providing every
Canadian the opportunity to experience the passion, spirit and triumph
of skating.
* As at August 30, 2007.
Media Contacts:
Laurie
Grant: 604-665-7596, mobile: 604-317-0735, laurie.grant@bmo.com
Lucie Gosselin: mobile 514 240-5361, lucie.gosselin@bmo.com
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