News Releases

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - July 13, 2011) -

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

BMO Financial Group announced today that the Blizzard Celtic '01 girls soccer team 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 its local soccer field.

"The Blizzard Celtic '01 is a team bursting with heart, determination, kindness, friendship and dedication to soccer. I am continually amazed at the girls' growing passion for the great game at such a young age. I've seen them grow immensely throughout the season both on and off the field. They practice and play hard and always do so with a great attitude," said Paul Burke, coach of the Blizzard Celtic '01.

"This team has enjoyed many wins but has also lived through its share of losses. They handle defeat with grace and ease and this is what impresses me the most. Having fun and establishing lasting friendships is what this team is all about. To see the Blizzard Celtic '01 play is to understand that the future of women's soccer in this country is indeed bright. I am extremely proud to coach this wonderful group of youngsters," added Mr. Burke.

During the soccer season the girls helped their communities both individually and collectively by participating in the Relay for Life 12-Hour Walkathon while playing in a tournament the same weekend; paying tribute to veterans on Remembrance Day; sending school supplies to children in Burundi; and helping their siblings excel in sports.

"The Blizzard Celtic is an exceptional group of young girls. When it comes to giving back, they have shown that can go beyond the borders of their own community. Whether on or off the field, the team embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow- all while having lots of fun. Congratulations on a well-deserved BMO Team of the Week Win," said Mike Suzuki, District Vice-President, Calgary, BMO Bank of Montreal.

The Blizzard Celtic '01 are the fifteenth of 15 youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada that were 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 now for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public through online voting, which begins August 1.

A team profile of the Blizzard Celtic '01 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 selected a weekly winner and each BMO Team of the Week received $500, track suits and a gift to a charity of their choice.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week between August 1 and 15. 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/20110712-blizzardceltic800.jpg.