A local soccer team is one of several across Canada vying to be the BMO Team of the Week.
As part of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO Financial Group this week launched the official voting period for the BMO Team of the Week contest. Voting is open to all Canadians from Aug. 13 to 27. The announcement of the 15 finalists was made Monday morning on Canada AM and CTV Morning Live and the Ladner Girls U10 Storm was among them.
The team with the most votes will be named the BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion and will win $125,000 towards the refurbishment of their local soccer field, a team trip to see a Toronto FC, Montreal Impact,
Vancouver Whitecaps FC or Canadian National Team home game, plus $5,000 for a charity of their choice. The winning team's home town will also be featured in a special Canada AM broadcast, with Jeff Hutcheson hosting a Breakfast with Jeff.
"Each of the finalists in this year's program is a shining example of what the BMO Team of the Week contest is about," said Sandy Bourne, vice president of sponsorships with BMO Financial Group. "These teams were selected because of the players' incredible passion, dedication to not only the community, but also to each other, and because they inspire and engage those around them."
The Ladner Girls U10 Storm is the first 'development' team put into play by their soccer club. The team organized a toy drive last Christmas, and is looking forward to a future charitable effort: collecting soccer equipment to distribute within the community.
The team is up against 14 other contestants from Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, PEI and Nova Scotia.
From April 2 to July 13, Canadian soccer coaches and parents submitted nominations for their favourite youth soccer teams, explaining why their team deserved to be the BMO Team of the Week. Fifteen weekly winners were selected by a panel of judges, each receiving a $500 team prize, $500 for their charity of choice, BMO Team of the Week track suits, and a celebration at a local BMO branch.
"We are encouraging all Canadians to cast their votes online for the next two weeks. Each vote will bring one lucky team closer to a prize that will benefit their community and create a truly memorable experience," Bourne said.
For more information, or to vote, visit www.
BMOsoccer.com.
