BMO to Sponsor Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala Through 2010

OTTAWA , Sept. 24 /CNW/ - BMO Financial Group has renewed its commitment as presenting sponsor of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala through to 2010.

The presenting sponsor of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala since its inception in 2006, BMO will be supporting this annual celebration of hunter and show jumping sporting accomplishments for the next two years.

"The Hall of Fame is excited to be partnering once again with BMO Financial Group in presenting our Gala," said Mark Samuel , Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. "BMO's commitment to our industry and to the ideals of the Hall of Fame shows tremendous leadership and is much appreciated. Partnering through 2010 demonstrates BMO's outstanding vision and commitment to excellence."

BMO Financial Group was an inaugural inductee to the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in the sponsor category. Its unparalleled support of show jumping sport in Canada includes being the founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows, where it currently sponsors the BMO Nations' Cup. It was also a long-time sponsor of the fall indoor Nations' Cup tour which included Washington and New York and concluded with Toronto's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in the 1980's and 90's. In addition, BMO has sponsored nine-time Olympian Ian Millar for over 20 years.

"BMO has enjoyed being a part of Canada's equestrian community for over 30 years," said Michael Rayfield , Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets. "We are proud to support the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, to help recognize those who have done so much to grow and strengthen equestrian sport in Canada ."

The 2009 Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala will be held Sunday, November 8, 2009 , at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto , ON. This year's inductees include Jumper Horse - Canadian Club, Rider - Michel Vaillancourt , Media - Terry Leibel , Builder (Individual) - Bob Ballard , Builder (Organization) - George and Diane Tidball of Thunderbird Show Park, Hunter Horse - War Bond, and Pony - Farnley Melanie.

Tickets for this year's black-tie Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala may be purchased by contacting Jennifer Mahoney , Equine Canada , at tel: [phone] ext. 101 or [email protected].

Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level. Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.equinecanada.ca/jumpcanada.

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For further information: Jennifer Ward, tel: [phone], www.startinggate.ca; Peter Scott, BMO Financial Group, tel: [phone], [email protected]