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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.

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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. 

Bill Downe (right), President & CEO, presents cheque to William Thompson, CEO of Skate Canada (left) and Jeff Buttle (centre), men's senior figure skater.