News Releases

TORONTO, August 18, 2008 – BMO Financial Group extends its hearty congratulations to the Canadian Olympic Show Jumping team and “Captain Canada” – long-time equestrian star Ian Millar – who won a silver medal in the team jumping competition, along with fellow riders Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze and Mac Cone. BMO has sponsored equestrian sports, including the BMO Nations' Cup for more than 20 years; Ian has been BMO's corporate equestrian advisor and all-round ambassador since 1988.

“Congratulations to the entire team on their terrific performance and to Ian who has been a great ambassador for Canada for so many years,” said Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. “We will be cheering for Ian when he climbs aboard In Style later this week for the individual show-jumping competition. We wish him and the other Canadian riders the best of luck.”

Fans of Ian Millar will have a chance to see Ian in person when he returns from Hong Kong. Ian will be competing at the 2008 BMO Nations' Cup at the Spruce Meadows Masters competition near Calgary on Saturday, September 6. As the winner of a BMO-sponsored contest for a trip to Spruce Meadows, one aspiring rider will enjoy a riding lesson with the Olympian on Friday, September 5. BMO Financial Group will also be organizing an autograph session with the champion, where fans will have a chance to see his Olympic silver medal.

Ian has competed in nine Olympic Games in the course of his illustrious career. He heads the honour roll of All-Time Money Winners at Spruce Meadows, and has been inducted to the Order of Canada and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

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