News Releases

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - May 23, 2012) -

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

BMO Financial Group announced today that the Valley Gardens Rockets, a group of U-9 girls from Winnipeg, have been selected as the sixth BMO Team of the Week. As part of BMO's national grassroots soccer program, the win comes with a $500 team prize, a $500 donation to the team's charity of choice, plus BMO Team of the Week tracksuits for the entire team.

"The Valley Gardens Rockets are an inspiration for youth soccer across the country. They've given back to the community in exceptional ways and taken every opportunity to hone their soccer skills - all while having fun," said Lynda Taylor, District Vice-President, Manitoba and North Western Ontario, BMO Financial Group. "The Rockets are a wonderful choice as this week's BMO Team of the Week winner."

Since the program's launch on April 2, six teams across the country have been selected as weekly winners. For the remaining nine weeks, youth soccer teams (age 7-12) will be awarded based on team pride, team spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. The Rockets are now a finalist to be voted by the Canadian public as the 2012 BMO Team of the Week Champion.

"I have watched these girls grow since they were five years old, developing as players and in turn, helping me develop as a coach as well," said Reid Kenyon, Head Coach of the Valley Gardens Rockets. "Their enthusiasm, their level of skill, and their dedication to the team make me proud to be their coach. I look forward to watching them develop their skills and their friendships in the future."

The Valley Gardens Rockets' full team profile can be viewed at www.BMOsoccer.com.

About BMO Team of the Week

BMO Team of the Week is Canada's premier sport celebration at the grassroots level, engaging a nation and inspiring communities by recognizing youth soccer teams who demonstrate team pride, team spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. Fifteen weekly winners will be named BMO Team of the Week starting April 18, and entered for a chance to be voted by Canadians as BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion. The grand prize includes a $125,000 refurbishment of their community soccer field, a road trip to a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact FC, or Canadian National Team home game, plus a $5,000 donation to the team's charity of choice.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120522-valleygardens800.jpg.