BMO – The Official Bank of Soccer - Congratulates Vancouver on Joining Major League Soccer in 2011

• BMO Financial Group renews Premier Level sponsorship with Vancouver Whitecaps FC for two years
• Official Bank and loyal fan of the Canadian Soccer Association, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• BMO’s support of grassroots soccer includes sponsorship of close to 400 girls and boys soccer teams and 50 soccer clubs in Canada

VANCOUVER, March 26, 2009 – BMO has been a proud sponsor of Vancouver Whitecaps FC men’s and women’s teams since 2006, and today announced the renewal of its Premier sponsorship - the highest level of sponsorship - for the next two years.

BMO Financial Group will continue as the Official Bank of the Whitecaps and holds exclusive rights to the financial category.

“With the announcement of Vancouver being awarded a new MLS franchise in 2011, we are excited for the future of professional soccer in BC,” said Derral Moriyama, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking, Greater Vancouver, BMO Bank of Montreal.

Moriyama added, “Soccer is hugely popular, particularly among many of Canada’s cultural communities, so our sponsorship fits well with BMO’s grassroots support through the Canadian Soccer Association of some 50 girls and boys soccer teams in British Columbia alone.”

Whitecaps President, Bob Lenarduzzi said, “We are extremely pleased that BMO Financial Group has renewed its commitment as a Premier Partner of the Whitecaps. We see this as a great fit, as both organizations recognize the importance of growing the world’s most popular sport in British Columbia and Canada.”

Highlights of the sponsorship include support of the BMO player escort program, where kids from local clubs are chosen to escort the team onto the field for each game, and branding of the team warm up gear.

The BMO Power of Blue customer experience program also comes to all Whitecaps matches, delivering unique and unexpected perks and privileges to BMO customers. Hugely popular at other BMO sponsored events, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors games, the BMO Power of Blue program offers Whitecaps fans a chance to win prizes and access the special BMO VIP line at the concession stand when they flash their BMO debit or credit card.

About BMO Financial Group
Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group has been committed to corporate and social responsibility. In 2007, BMO became the Official Bank and a primary partner of the Canadian Soccer Association. Our commitment to soccer begins in neighbourhoods and communities across Canada where we support more than 400 girls and boys teams in the seven to nine age category. BMO has been a proud partner of the Whitecaps since 2006; sponsors Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and has naming rights to BMO Field, Canada’s National Soccer Stadium.

BMO Financial Group employs more than 3,000 people in British Columbia operating out of 114 BMO Bank of Montreal branches; six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and five BMO Harris Private Banking locations. BMO is one of the country's top corporate donors. Locally, BMO provides major donations to organizations such as the United Ways in the province, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia and announced a $2 million donation to BC Children’s Hospital last year, the largest donation in BMO’s history in B.C.

About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The Whitecaps kicked off their inaugural season in 1974 as members of the North American Soccer League. Since then, the club has captured the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1979, won four straight Canadian Soccer League championships from 1988 to 1991, and more recently, won the United Soccer Leagues First Division titles in 2006 and 2008. The Whitecaps are a fully integrated club, which include senior men’s and women’s teams, full-time residency programs, as well as an extensive youth development system. For more information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit www.whitecapsfc.com

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