News Releases
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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