News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 30, 2013) - The Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada recognized BMO Financial Group with two Sponsorship Marketing Awards (SMAs) at its 9^th annual conference in Toronto on April 25^th.

BMO received a Gold Award for Sustained Success for its Local Soccer Clubs Program. The program was recognized for being BMO-owned, locally driven, and for supporting its sponsorship of more than 1,000 local youth soccer teams across Canada.

In the Special Interest Category, BMO took home an Award of Distinction for its over 100-year partnership as the Official Bank and Champion Level Sponsor of the Calgary Stampede.

"BMO is proud of its sponsorship properties, all of which provide opportunities for the Bank to be actively involved in the communities in which our customers and employees live and work," said Justine Fedak, Senior Vice-President, Branding, Advertising & Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "Through our sponsorship of local soccer clubs, BMO can support youth soccer and nurture a mutually beneficial presence in hundreds of communities across Canada. Our sponsorship of the Calgary Stampede, a strong and resonating Canadian brand, stands as an annual reminder of BMO's longstanding roots in, and commitment to, Western Canada. Congratulations to Sue Bundy and the Corporate Sponsorships team on this terrific success."

The SMAs recognize companies that have maximized their investments in sponsorship marketing by developing innovative strategies that drive business results.

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's Sponsorship of the Calgary Stampede

BMO Bank of Montreal's ties to the Calgary Stampede are long and noteworthy. While the banking relationship started in 1899, BMO became the Official Bank of the Calgary Stampede in 1912 and has been a sponsor for 33 years. Currently a Champion level sponsor, BMO will once again host family-fun events in 2013 with the BMO Farm Family Awards, BMO Kids' Day on July 10^th welcoming more than 25,000 people for a free pancake breakfast and fun family entertainment and the 10-day BMO Kids' Zone. In 2009, BMO Centre was named for the newly expanded consumer and trade show facility in Stampede Park, one of the largest in Western Canada, and a Consumer's Choice Award winner as the city's favourite banquet and reception hall.

About BMO Financial Group

For more than 195 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2012, BMO contributed more than $87.6 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.