Garnier-Ombrelle and Canadian Soccer Association Team Up to Protect and Educate Canadian Youth

Garnier-Ombrelle named Official Sun Protection Partner of the Canadian Soccer Association

TORONTO, May 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Soccer Association announced its new long-term corporate partnership with Garnier-Ombrelle today on the pitch at Varsity Stadium Field in Toronto, kicking off Canada's Women's National Team week-long preparation for its rematch against the USA Women's National Soccer Team on Sunday June 2, 2013 in Toronto, ON. A photo opportunity followed, with Members of Canada's Women's National Soccer Team and local youth girls team, Hamilton Sparta U-14 Girls.

Soccer is the #1 participatory team sport in Canada and is the fastest growing sport in the country. An impressive 44% of Canadian youth participate in the sport, and hundreds of thousands of children will be active outdoor players throughout the summer months.

"Garnier-Ombrelle is proud and excited to team up with the Canadian Soccer Association to promote being active and protected while under the sun," says Frank Kollmar, Vice President - Consumer Products Division of L'Oreal Canada. "As an assistant coach and a father of two active soccer players, I know how important protection is on the field. Much like shin guards protect players' bones, Garnier-Ombrelle, Canada's number #1 recommended sun protection brand by dermatologists and pharmacists, will deliver the same protection from the sun. Since 80% of sun damage occurs during childhood and teenage years, the focus of Garnier-Ombrelle's multi-year partnership with the Canadian Soccer Association will be aimed at increasing sun safety awareness among youth starting with The Active Start Soccer Fest Program. Garnier-Ombrelle is happy to provide the safest place under the sun for the youth participants of the number one outdoor team sport in Canada."

Garnier-Ombrelle wants to make a lasting impression on 'soccer loving' youth by shedding light on the important subject of encouraging the integration of sun protection into their routine early on - building good habits for years to come. With the added sun exposure comes some sobering statistics from the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation: 

• One in every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is a skin cancer, 80-90% of which are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year, more than 5,000 of which are melanoma, the mostly deadly form of skin cancer.

"The members of Canada's Women's National Team are phenomenal role models for youth in terms of their achievements in athletics, and also in their use of sun protection. With National Sun Awareness Week around the corner, this partnership with Ombrelle will play an  important role in educating Canadian families about the importance of  sun protection from an early age.  Regular sunscreen use in early childhood helps to develop good sun protection habits, which reduce the  harmful effects of the sun," Dr. Sonya Cook, (Dermatologist) Compass Dermatology Toronto.

"The Canadian Soccer Association is thrilled to join forces with Garnier-Ombrelle in encouraging sun safety for soccer participants, both on and off the field," said Peter Montopoli, General Secretary, Canadian Soccer Association.

"The support of a major lifestyle brand such as Garnier-Ombrelle is key for the development of our sport, from grassroots to National Teams, and we look forward to continuing to grow the beautiful game in our country through this new partnership," Montopoli added.

Below are highlights of the partnership:

Off the Field
Ombrelle is the #1 recommended sun care brand by physicians, pharmacists, paediatricians and uses Mexoryl technology, a patented sun filter, that is the #1 recommended filter by Canadian dermatologists. It is recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association and is making large strides to score big with close to one million soccer families and participants across Canada. From the 140 communities that participate in Canadian Soccer Association's internationally renowned Active Start Soccer Fests, a grassroots soccer celebration for youth ages 5-10, to the 12 Canadian National Teams that represent Canada on the International stage, Garnier Ombrelle supports athletics at all levels, and is devoted to educating sports enthusiasts of all ages about daily sun protection. The brand will become the title sponsor of the Active Start Soccer Fests program in early 2014, and has also provided sun care kits to all members of Canada's Women's National team.

Game Plan
The Garnier-Ombrelle and Canadian Soccer Association Partnership, will include an exclusive sun protection partnership with recognized programs and events including Canada's National Teams, the Amway Canadian Championship, National Club Championships and Active Start Soccer Fests over the next 3 years. The Garnier Ombrelle partnership will also extend its support to local community soccer events where sun safe areas, samples and sun education will be provided to youth and their families.

On the Field
Everyone is invited to join Garnier-Ombrelle at the pre-game festivities, Sunday, June 2^nd at BMO Field in Toronto, before the much anticipated rematch between the Women's National Team and USA Women's National Soccer Team. Garnier-Ombrelle will be hosting soccer fans at the Fan Zone: an area boasting family friendly activities and product giveaways. Garnier and Ombrelle experts will be on site to discuss the importance of sun safety, and how to get game-day ready.

Below is a list of scheduled activities surrounding the Women's National Team's visit to Toronto:

May 29^th 6PM ET, Public training session
BMO Field - 170 Princes Blvd.

May 31^st 10:30AM ET, BMO Autograph session
First Canadian Place (indoors) - 100 King St. W.

June 2^nd 4:30PM ET Canada v USA Rematch
BMO Field - 170 Princes Blvd.

Social Media Links
Garnier: @GarnierCAN
CSA: @CanadaSoccerEN

About Garnier
Garnier believes in beauty through nature, creating products that 'Take Care' of consumer needs. Scientifically developed with selected natural ingredients, Garnier products help men and women look healthy and feel better every day. Established in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, Garnier is the #1 beauty brand in France and a trusted leader throughout Europe, Asia, US, Mexico and Canada. The Garnier family of Canadian products consists of Garnier Fructis, Garnier Fructis Style, Garnier Nutrisse, Garnier Nutrisse Intense, Garnier Belle Color, Garnier HerbaShine, Garnier Olia, Garnier Skincare and Garnier Body. For more information, visit www.garnier.ca

About Ombrelle
Launched in 1990 with the assistance of Canadian dermatologists, Ombrelle has dedicated itself to offering state-of-the-art suncare technologies in Canada.  The first sun protection brand to offer consumers a patented, broad-spectrum sunscreen, Ombrelle works hand-in-hand with dermatologists to identify market needs and collaboratively develop innovative suncare products. Ombrelle products are recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, while also supporting public education that promotes healthy sun attitudes. From its inception, this Canadian company has been original in its quest to develop superior sun protection for the entire family, and for a host of outdoor activities. http://www.garnier.ca/_en/_ca/sun/index.aspx

About the Canadian Soccer Association 
The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on the Canadian Soccer Association, visit CanadaSoccer.com 

Image with caption: "Press conference in Toronto celebrating the announcement of Garnier-Ombrelle's partnership with the Canadian Soccer Association. From left: Jean-Daniel Labbé, Group Manager, Garnier Skin Care & Ombrelle, Canada's Women's National Soccer Team players: Emily Zurrer, Melissa Tancredi, Carmelina Moscato, Robyn Gayle, Desiree Scott, Sophie Schmidt, and Dr. Sonya Cook, Dermatologist at Compass Dermatology Toronto, Sandra Gage, Director of Business Development, Canadian Soccer Association In front: Hamilton Sparta U-14 Girls Soccer Team (CNW Group/Garnier) (CNW Group/L'Oréal)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130527_C2302_PHOTO_EN_27105.jpg

Image with caption: "Canada's Women's National Soccer Team player Sophie Schmidt applies Ombrelle sunscreen at a press conference announcing Garnier-Ombrelle's partnership with the Canadian Soccer Association. (CNW Group/Garnier) (CNW Group/L'Oréal)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130527_C2302_PHOTO_EN_27107.jpg

SOURCE: L'Oréal

media inquiries, or interviews with Executives, please contact:

Katie Green, Brand Communications Manager, Garnier-Ombrelle : 514.281.2745 [email protected]
Michèle Dion, Media Relations Canadian Soccer Association: 613.237.7678 ext. 226 [email protected]