News Releases

• Three years ago, team members spearheaded effort to create the first youth girls team on Gabriola Island
• Team now first contender for BMO Team of the Week grand prize which includes $125,000 field refurbishment

GABRIOLA ISLAND, B.C., April 21, 2011 – As part of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO Financial Group announced today the winner of the first BMO Team of the Week title. Gabriola Island’s only girls team, the Gabriola Wolves, was recognized for its remarkable achievements on and off the field.

“We are thrilled to name the Gabriola Wolves the first BMO Team of the Week,” said Shelly Jensen, District Vice-President, Vancouver Island, BMO Bank of Montreal. “These girls exemplify the spirit of this contest. As the only girls team on the island and one that takes a boat trip to every away game, the Gabriola Wolves are undaunted by any obstacle.”

“It is amazing how much we’ve grown in the last three years. I think our entire group has learned about being a good sport and competitor. From what began as soccer play dates, has now developed into us playing in a U10 league,” said Kevin Smith, Coach of the Gabriola Wolves. “The girls know that success is not only measured in wins and losses, but in how we treat and respect the other team and the pride in our efforts to do the best we can.”

The Gabriola Wolves are now one of fifteen youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada that will be selected between April 1 and June 30 as weekly winners based on team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. The winners will then vie for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public through online voting as of August 1.

The Gabriola Wolves’ team profile can be viewed at BMOsoccer.com.

BMO Team of the Week Game Plan

From April 1 to June 30, Canadian soccer coaches and parents can nominate their favourite soccer team by logging on to www.BMOsoccer.com.

A panel of judges will select a weekly winner and each BMO Team of the Week will receive $500, track suits and a gift to a charity of their choice.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week beginning in August. The Champion will receive $125,000 toward a field refurbishment, a trip to see a Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC home game, and $5,000 to a charity of their choice.

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada, from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities, to the professional level. Our deep commitment to "The Beautiful Game" is evident with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 900 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada’s men’s and women’s national teams, professional teams (Toronto FC & Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

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