News Releases

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 21, 2012) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

The Southend United Sharks U12 girls' team is in the running to be named BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion and win the grand prize, which includes $125,000 to upgrade their community soccer pitch.

The champion team will also win:

• A road trip to see a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact or Canadian National Team home game
• A $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice

Canadians can log on to BMOsoccer.com to cast their vote. The team with the most number of votes will be the BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion.

The opportunity to give something back to the community is the driving force behind the Sharks' campaign. Their involvement with Relay for Life - the Canadian Cancer Society's biggest annual fundraiser - speaks to their passion for reaching out to the community as a whole. Last season their participation raised over $2,500 and allowed these young athletes to connect with survivors, share stories on how cancer has touched their lives, and learn about the power of giving to the community.

"I have watched these girls develop as athletes over the past three years. Through their coaches, their team mates, and their love of soccer, they have learned some of the most valuable lessons: Try hard, respect your opponent as much as your team mate, and stick with it, even when the tides are against you," said Judith Lo, Head Coach of the Southend United SC Sharks. "These small and mighty girls keep getting up, coming back, trying harder, and getting better. Sharks are where it's at!"

The Sharks hosted a kick-off for their campaign to be the BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion last week at BMO Centre, where Mayor Joe Fontana was the guest of honour. If they win, the Sharks have asked that the Canadian Cancer Society receive the $5,000 donation from BMO.

About BMO Team of the Week

From April 2 to July 13, 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. The final weekly winner was announced July 25.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week until August 27.

The 2012 BMO Team of the Week Champion will be announced on September 5.

To view the first photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120820-southendphoto1px800.jpg.

To view the second photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120820-southendphoto2px800.jpg.