Scotiabank Announced as First Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program Partner

Scotiabank also becomes the title sponsor of the 'Scotiabank Holiday Traditions Skate at the Richmond Olympic Oval'

RICHMOND, B.C., Dec. 13 /CNW/ - Today Scotiabank became the first partner of the Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program.

The Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program represents programs, services and membership at the Oval, providing sport, health and fitness activities, skill development pathways, and role-model leadership to all ages and skill levels. The Community Legacy Program will contribute to the improved health and wellness of the community and to the international success of athletes wearing the maple leaf.

"We are proud to extend the City's relationship with Scotiabank," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. "Scotiabank's commitment to supporting education, health care, social services, and arts and culture and other initiatives across the country is remarkable. From supporting hockey at all levels from grassroots to elite and the National Hockey League, and now the Richmond Olympic Oval, Scotiabank is associated with the very best that Canada has to offer. We look forward to working together with them as we build our vision for the Oval to be an international centre of excellence for sports, recreation and wellness, as well as providing our community with the foundation to remain one of the world's healthiest cities."

"The Oval's Community Legacy Program will change people's lives and the support of partners like Scotiabank will bring that change to as many people as possible," said John Mills, General Manager of the Oval. "Each Community Legacy Program partner ensures a wide variety of sport and fitness activities for all ages and skill levels, while also providing the training, coaching and facility resources necessary for our national team athletes to achieve success on the international stage."

"Our partnership with the Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program adds to a growing list of strategic sponsorships across the country, including the National Hockey League, Scotiabank Saddledome (home of the NHL Calgary Flames), Scotiabank Place (home of the NHL Ottawa Senators), the Canadian Football League, BC Lions and Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium (home of the Vancouver Canadians), " said Christine Lim, Manager, Richmond Main branch, Scotiabank.  "We believe our investment as a Community Legacy Partner will ensure the community has the resources to engage in a healthy lifestyle and foster the next generation of athletes in Canada."

In addition to Community Legacy Program partnership, Scotiabank was also announced as the title sponsor of the 'Scotiabank Holiday Traditions Skate at the Richmond Olympic Oval', December 13 - 26, 2010. These holiday public skating sessions will join the Oval's two Olympic size ice rinks for the unique opportunity to skate on Canada`s largest indoor ice sheet (select dates), enjoy hot chocolate by donation to the Richmond Food Bank and have a family and friends winter skating experience under the Oval's magnificent wooden roof. Those who show their Scotiabank payment card will also receive an additional 50% off the Oval's already reduced holiday skating rates. For skate dates, times and pricing information, please visit www.richmondoval.ca.

In attendance at today's announcement were His Worship Mayor Malcolm Brodie, City of Richmond, John Mills, General Manager of the Richmond Olympic Oval, Christine Lim, Manager, Richmond Main Scotiabank branch, Scotiabank and Trevor Linden, NHL Alumni and former Vancouver NHL player.

Additional Community Legacy Program partners will be announced over the coming months.  The facility name will remain the Richmond Olympic Oval.

About the Richmond Olympic Oval
The Richmond Olympic Oval is a breathtaking venue on the banks of the Fraser River and winner of the Institution of Structural Engineers top award for Sports or Leisure Structures. Home to long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Oval offers an inspiring environment for all ages and skill levels to progress towards their own personal podiums.

About the Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program
The Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program provides sport, health and fitness activities, skill development pathways and role-model leadership to all ages and skill levels, contributing to the improved health and wellness of the community and to the international success of athletes wearing the maple leaf.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is the first of up to ten Community Legacy partners with the Richmond Olympic Oval Community Legacy Program. Scotiabank's contribution will help to sustain additional opportunities in sport, health and wellness for all ages and skill levels -- from community grassroots participation to Canadian athlete success on the international stage.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in partnerships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of sports, healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

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Media Contact:

Aran Kay
Asst Manager, Communications
& Brand Development
Richmond Olympic Oval
Tel:  [phone]
Cell:  604.346.7697
Email:  [email protected]