News Releases

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 6, 2012) -

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

BMO Financial Group today announced the eighth in a series of weekly BMO Team of the Week winners for 2012. The Burnaby Girls Sparks, a group of U-11 girls, was awarded this week's title after being selected by the BMO of Team of the Week judging panel.

"The Sparks have demonstrated real talent, but are always looking to improve," said David Oliver, Head Coach of the Burnaby Girls Sparks. "Their creativity, energy, and sheer joy for both soccer and non-soccer-related activities are what make it so easy and such a privilege to coach this team."

The Burnaby Girls Sparks are the eighth team (age 7-12) across Canada, and the second from British Columbia, to be selected as weekly winners based on team pride, team spirit, community involvement and passion for the game. As part of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO will name one Team of the Week honouree each week for 15 weeks. The 15 winners will then vie for the title of 2012 BMO Team of the Week Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public. Online voting will begin on August 13.

"Instead of waiting for presents to come to them, the Sparks spent their last Christmas season raising money for the Salvation Army's Adopt-A-Family program," said Henry Donkers, District Vice-President, Vancouver, BMO Financial Group. "Dedicated, passionate, and united are three words I can use to describe this team. Congratulations, Sparks: You deserve it!"

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.

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