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BMO Financial Group and the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec today announced the signing of a major five-year partnership agreement. The agreement will encourage the development of Quebec skaters of all ages while providing support for training programs, competitions and special events.
“We are proud to extend BMO's sponsorship agreement with the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec, which has contributed to the growth of skating throughout Quebec since 1997,” said L. Jacques Ménard, President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec. “Our passion for figure skating involves much more than title sponsorships of events. Whether we're helping to develop young skaters first starting out or elite skaters competing at the international level, BMO is committed to supporting recreational skaters and athletes in their hard work, love of the sport and unwavering dedication.”
“Quebec produces excellent skaters, and it is important to provide them with constant and stimulating training that is focused on furthering their development,” said Sylvie Simard, President of the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec, which comprises 252 clubs and more than 34,000 members in the province. “A loyal partner, BMO Financial Group has supported us on a yearly basis. However, this is the first time the institution has agreed to a five-year commitment. This long-term support will allow us to strengthen our base while working undistractedly with our athletes in the coming years, especially as we look ahead to the next Olympic Winter Games.“
The announcement crowns many years of involvement by BMO in figure skating at the provincial and national level. The financial institution is, among other things, a major partner of Skate Canada through 2011.
Athletes who train in Quebec make up more than half of the team that represents Canada at the World Championships – seven out of 13 skaters, to be specific. This exceptional performance owes much to the training structure of the Fédération du patinage artistique du Québec, which is unique in Canada. “For example, we have set up a network of ‘regional presidents' who follow up the Fédération's various programs,” Ms. Simard explained. “They enable us to provide to all our members, from the youngest to the oldest, all the information necessary to develop athletes at every level. Interestingly, the structure has been adopted by other sections across Canada.”
Figure skating has been a favourite sport in Canada for more than a hundred years. Interest in figure skating is at an all-time high, with more than six million Canadians – almost 25 percent of the national population – skating every year.
“By supporting our sport for more than a decade, BMO has contributed to the training and development of skaters across the country from the very youngest age,” said Benoit Lavoie, Skate Canada's new president and a world-renowned judge, pointing to Joannie Rochette who began skating and climbing through the ranks at the age of four.”
“From the first time I pulled off a bunny hop through my fifth-place finish at the Turin Olympic Games last year, I've always felt the support and encouragement of the people around me,” said Joannie Rochette. “Whether it be my family, my coach, the people in and around the Fédération – my second family – and all the training programs that are made available to us, I consider myself lucky to have been the recipient of all this training and support.”
“One of the main challenges facing Skate Canada is to act as a bridge between the members of the national team and to manage the specific training programs that will see other Joannies fulfilling Canada's Olympic aspirations in 2010,” Mr. Lavoie added.
About BMO Financial Group
Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group has supported the principles of reinvestment in and corporate responsibility to the communities it serves. In 2005, BMO Financial Group contributed $29.5 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations across the country. BMO was also named Canada's Best Corporate Citizen for 2005 by Corporate Knights. BMO Bank of Montreal operates 160 branches in Quebec and BMO Nesbitt Burns has 17 offices in the province. BMO employs nearly 5,000 people in Quebec.
About the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec
Over the years, the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec has become one of Quebec's leading sports associations. It brings together 252 clubs, 18 regional associations, 34,000 members, 5,000 volunteers, administrators and a board of directors, all supported by a highly competent staff based in its headquarters in Montreal's Olympic Stadium. In all, once the family nature of the sport is taken into account, the Fédération reaches more than 120,000 people who are involved with its members. The mission of the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec is to make Skate Canada's programs accessible to everyone, regardless of whether their motivation is love of the sport, having fun or achieving excellence.
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BMO and the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec today announced a five-year partnership agreement that will contribute to the development of Quebec figure skating. Skaters welcomed L. Jacques Ménard to the Québec Team by offering him the official team jacket. From left to right: Myléne Girard, Bradley Yaeger, Chloé Rioux, Valérie Marcoux, L. Jacques Ménard, Joannie Rochette et Craig Buntin.