News Releases

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) -

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

BMO Financial Group announced today that Hollandia Gremio, a group of boys from the 'under 12 years old' (U12) soccer league in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has become the first of 15 BMO Team of the Week winners that will be named over the next few months for 2013. Along with the win, the team receives a $500 team prize, a $500 donation to the charity of the team's choice, BMO Team of the Week tracksuits plus a community celebration at a local BMO branch.

Alvi Campos, Coach of Hollandia Gremio, expressed his admiration and pride for the team's win. "These boys are dedicated, hardworking, and community-minded, and it is an honour to coach them," says Campos. "Every day, they become not only better soccer players, but also stronger young men who continue to make a positive impact within the community. Thank you for recognizing these boys for their attitudes and positive behaviour on and off the field."

BMO Team of the Week is BMO's national grassroots soccer program, which recognizes youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada for team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. Fifteen teams will be selected as BMO Team of the Week winners over the course of the next several weeks. The weekly winners will then vie for the title of 2013 BMO Team of the Week Champion. The Champion will be determined by the Canadian public, who can vote online from Aug. 5-19 for the team they feel are most deserving of the award.

"Congratulations to Hollandia Gremio, our first BMO Team of the Week winner for 2013!" said John MacAulay, Senior Vice-President, Prairies & Central Canada, BMO Financial Group. "As the program continues, I look forward to seeing more inspiring teams such as this, whose determination and positivity is prevalent both on the field and within the community."

Hollandia Gremio's full team profile can be viewed at www.BMOsoccer.com.

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities all the way up to the professional level. Our deep commitment to 'The Beautiful Game' is evident from the beginning of the curve with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 1,000 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada's men's and women's national teams, our professional teams (Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

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 17, and entered for a chance to be voted by Canadians as BMO Team of the Week 2013 Champion. The grand prize includes a $125,000 refurbishment of their community soccer field and a road trip to a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact, or Canadian National Team home game. Former BMO Team of the Week Champions include Glen Shields Sun Devils 2000 (2011) and Ladner Storm (2012).

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: www.marketwire.com/library/20130416-hollandia800.jpg.