News Releases

WHAT:

As the winner of a BMO Financial Group contest that drew thousands of entries from across the country, Helen Warness of Thunder Bay, ON, will enjoy a trip to the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament in Calgary, AB, and a riding lesson with eight-time Canadian Olympian and show jumping legend, Ian Millar.

WHEN:

Riding lesson: Friday, September 8, 2006

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Ian and Helen will be available for interviews and photos.

WHERE:

At 10 a.m., media will meet at the Spruce Meadows Media Centre, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way, Calgary, and be shown to the riding lesson location.

In addition to a riding lesson with Ian, Helen's prize package also includes two round-trip airfares to Calgary, three nights accommodation at the Homeplace Ranch in Priddis, and two seats in the BMO Skybox for the $350,000 BMO Financial Group Nations' Cup, Saturday's featured event at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament.

Helen's enthusiasm for equestrian sport started as a child when she spent her summers on a farm.  At a young age, she rode horses and her passion for the sport has continued, even though now she's just a spectator.  She visited Spruce Meadows in 1998 and, during her trip to Spruce Meadows this year, will be celebrating her first wedding anniversary with her husband, Brad.  She is a long-time Ian Millar fan and is very excited to meet him in person.

BMO Financial Group is a founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows and, since 1988, has enjoyed working with Ian Millar, BMO's corporate equestrian advisor.  BMO launched this contest last year as part of its long-standing support of show jumping in Canada and in celebration of Spruce Meadows' 30^th anniversary.

BMO Financial Group is the proud sponsor of the prestigious $350,000 BMO Financial Group Nations' Cup on Saturday, September 9, at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament, bringing together the top show jumping countries in the world to compete for the most lucrative prize in team show jumping.

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