CALGARY, ALBERTA — (Marketwire) — 09/04/12 — Attention: Sports Editors
National teams from nine countries around the world arrive in Calgary this week to compete in the 2012 BMO Nations- Cup, one of the richest team show-jumping events in the world. The event, which carries a prize of $300,000, will take place on Saturday, September 8 at Canada-s premier show-jumping event, the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament.
The 2012 Canadian Team, led by Chef d-equipe Terrance Millar, will include show-jumping fan favourites Ian Millar, Eric Lamaze, Mac Cone and Tiffany Foster.
“One of the key reasons for BMO-s 36-year-long relationship with Spruce Meadows is our shared commitment to excellence. The Masters and the BMO Nations- Cup are first-class, highly entertaining and memorable experiences in the popular sport of equestrian show jumping,” said Frank Techar, President and CEO, Personal and Commercial Banking Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Another reason is that Spruce Meadows continually strives to make this highly competitive sport accessible to everyone, which we at BMO applaud.”
“The BMO Nations- Cup is a leading international event in our sport, and we-re thrilled to feature the reigning Olympic, World and European Team Champions,” said Spruce Meadows president, Linda Heathcott. “The fact that BMO Financial Group has been a part of the Spruce Meadows story from the start makes the competition and atmosphere truly unique.”
In recognition of Ian Millar-s historic tenth Olympic appearance, BMO Financial Group is making a donation on his behalf of $10,000 ($1,000 for each Olympics) to the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), a charity with centres across Canada that promotes challenge and empowerment through horse riding for children and adults with disabilities. The donation is being presented at a reception today where a portrait of Ian Millar will be unveiled as part of Canada-s Sports Hall of Fame-s Canadian Sports Heroes Art Collection.
Mr. Millar said, “I am proud to be an Honourary Director of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association. As an avid equestrian myself, I understand the freedom and empowerment the horse provides for all riders with disabilities. I-m very touched that BMO would make a donation to CanTRA on my behalf.”
2012 BMO Nations- Cup Teams
Last year a record 79,489 people attended the BMO Nations- Cup and organizers hope to surpass this number in 2012. Fans with a BMO debit or credit card can participate in the BMO Power of Blue program, which offers great client experiences during the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, including a chance to ride on the BMO float in Friday-s Parade of Nations.
Fans are also invited to visit the BMO Fan Centre, located in the Plaza Terraces, which features the following:
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $542 billion as at July 31, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.
About BMO and the Equestrian Community:
As the founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows, BMO Financial Group has a long and proud history of supporting equestrian sport in Canada. This is the 35th year that BMO has sponsored the BMO Nations- Cup at Spruce Meadows, attracting the top international show jumping teams to compete in Canada. In addition, BMO has proudly sponsored Canadian Equestrian Team member, Ian Millar for over 23 years.
Contacts:
Media contacts:
Laurie Grant, BMO Financial Group
(604)-665-7596
Internet:
Twitter: @BMOmedia
Spruce Meadows
Melodie Wight
(403)-974-4232