Media Advisory - CIBC celebrates TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay in Ottawa with $500,000 donation to KidSport

Media are invited to attend our torch relay celebration at our Richmond Road branch

OTTAWA, June 25, 2015 /CNW/ -  CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM), the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, invites the media to our Richmond Road branch for a special stop of the Pan Am flame to celebrate this iconic symbol of the Games.

As a part of its ongoing commitment to leave a lasting sport legacy across the country following the Games, CIBC will be also present a $500,000 cheque to KidSport™. This represents the first installment of CIBC's $1 million commitment to this not-for-profit organization to provide children across Canada with financial assistance to participate in organized sport.

According to a recent CIBC poll, over 68 per cent of Canadians believe sport is important to the overall well-being and development of children aged 3-17, yet 84 per cent believe organized sports have become too expensive.

With kids across Canada expected to be inspired by the Games, CIBC and KidSport will use this funding to remove financial barriers and allow children to pursue their sporting ambitions.

WHEN:	June 30, 2015 - 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Flame arrives at 1:15 pm.
WHAT:	Arrival of the Pan Am flame as part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay; cheque presentation to KidSport; and interviews with torchbearers who can speak to: •     Excitement around the torch relay •     Preparing to compete in the Games on home soil •     Impact of sport on communities and inspiring youth to get active
WHO:	•     CIBC's torch relay Ambassador Ryan Coelho •     Cameron Smedley, CIBC Team Next athlete and Pan Am Games competitor, Canoe Whitewater Slalom •     David Carr-Harris, Pan Am torchbearer, KidSport Ontario Manager •     Monique Giroux, CIBC Vice-President, Sponsorship Marketing
WHERE:	CIBC Richmond Road Branch, 103 Richmond Road, Ottawa

CIBC has long recognized that sport has the power to unite communities, a belief confirmed by its recent polling that shows nearly 90 per cent of Ontarians believe sport plays an important role in bringing communities together. To demonstrate its commitment to the sport, CIBC created Canada's first-of-its-kind sponsorship program, called CIBC Team Next, to support 67 up-and-coming amateur athletes with not only funding but also with mentorship to help develop the mental fortitude and life skills to compete with the world's best and hold them in good stead long after their athletic career is over.

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

To arrange interviews with our spokespeople, torchbearers or CIBC Team Next athlete during the festivities or for in-studio radio or television interviews, please contact:

Kevin Dove
Head of External Communications
416-980-8835
[email protected]