KELOWNA,
BC, September 25, 2008 – BMO Bank of Montreal has
gone the extra mile and made a three-year commitment to be the title
sponsor of the BMO Okanagan Marathon, beginning with this year’s
popular family event on October 11 and 12, 2008.
“BMO is proud to become the title sponsor of the Okanagan Marathon
and we look forward to working alongside the local committee and the
multitude of volunteers to stage a first class, fun family fitness event,” said
Sean Armstrong, Vice President, BC Interior, North and Yukon, BMO Bank
of Montreal. “At BMO we strongly believe in supporting community
events that promote a fit and healthy lifestyle,” added Mr. Armstrong.
The BMO Okanagan Marathon, which includes a family fitness and active
lifestyle festival, attracts a wide range of participants ranging from
those who are getting fit, those that are staying fit, to those who want
to challenge themselves.
Tom Keogh, BMO Okanagan Marathon
Event Director, said, “We are
extremely pleased that BMO Bank of Montreal and its employees have shown
such passion for this event and leadership for healthy lifestyles.”
The event will attract more than 3,000 participants in 2008, with 60%
coming from outside Kelowna.
Events Include:
Saturday,
October 11 - BMO Kids Run for Kids plus a new 5km Fun Run
and 3km Friendship Run. After the run, children can play in the free
BMO Kids Fun Zone, obtain a free beverage and snack and have a chance
to win draw prizes.
Sunday,
October 12 - A 10km,
21.1km (Half-Marathon) and 42.2km (Marathon) will begin early and participants
will wind through the city’s
north area orchards and scenic farmlands.
To date, the Okanagan Marathon has raised close to $170,000 for Sunshine
Foundation: Dreams for Kids.
“Sunshine is deeply grateful to be the charitable beneficiary
of such a first class community event. We thank all involved – the
participants, event organizers, our BC Interior Chapter volunteers, The
Running Room and BMO Bank of Montreal – for believing in the importance
of fulfilling dreams for children with severe physical disabilities or
life-threatening illnesses,” said Nancy Sutherland, National Executive
Director, Sunshine Foundation: Dreams for Kids. “It is particularly
heartening to see the individual efforts of local BMO employees who are
doing such a tremendous job of inspiring and motivating their community
to support Sunshine,” she added.
This event has something for everyone, from recreational runners and
walkers to advanced and competitive runners. It is ideal for groups to
register family, community or corporate teams. Come out to the Fitness
Expo at City Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 10 to 12, as
last minute registrations are welcome. For more details go to www.okanaganmarathon.ca.
BMO Financial Group employs more than 3,000 people in British Columbia.
BMO Bank of Montreal has 143 branches and BMO Nesbitt Burns has six offices
in the province, not including locations in BMO Bank of Montreal branches.
BMO Harris Private Banking has five offices in BC including the newest
office located in downtown Kelowna.
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