News Releases

SIMCOE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 6, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

BMO Financial Group announced today that the U11 Meat Wagon Golden Eagles Mixed Soccer Team of Simcoe, Ontario, has been selected BMO Team of the Week. The team is now eligible to be the BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion and win $125,000 to upgrade their local soccer field.

"Decked out in their gold caps and gold headbands, the boys and girls of the Meat Wagon Golden Eagles love to play soccer and always have fun on the field. Just like their outfits, their hearts are made of gold. The team has spearheaded a community project to collect soccer uniforms for a World Teacher Aid school in Nakuru, Kenya. The Golden Eagles' goal this summer is to share their love of soccer and provide soccer jerseys and balls to all 600 students at the African school. I am so proud of these young players who display an immense amount of joy, spirit and kindness both on and off the field," said Bernie Solymar, coach of the Meat Wagon Golden Eagles.

Many of the children on this mixed team began community fundraising at an early age. From a car wash and bake sale to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005, to participating in Canadian Cancer Society efforts such as daffodil sales and the Relay for Life, these players have shown they are thoughtful young citizens.

"It is wonderful to see such a young energetic group of soccer players rally together with the same enthusiasm off the field to lead a community project that will benefit hundreds of school children in Kenya. The Golden Eagles are a superb choice for BMO Team of the Week," said Andrew Furgal, District Vice-President, South-central Ontario, BMO Bank of Montreal.

The U11 Meat Wagon Golden Eagles are the thirteenth of 15 youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada that will be selected between April 1 and June 30 as weekly BMO Team of the Week 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 beginning August 1.

A team profile of the U11 Meat Wagon Golden Eagles can be viewed at www.BMOsoccer.com.

BMO Team of the Week Game Plan

From April 1 to June 30, Canadian soccer coaches and parents were invited to 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. The final weekly winner will be announced July 13.

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, Montreal Impact & Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110705-bmo0706meatwagon800.jpg.