Toronto, ON, Nov. 4, 2019 – BMO Financial Group has been recognized for its longstanding commitment to show jumping in Canada with the 2019 JC Sponsor of the Year Award.
BMO first became involved with show jumping at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, during the now-iconic venue’s inaugural year of tournaments in 1976. Over the following four decades, BMO continued to contribute to the sport’s growth, extending its support into 2019 with exciting new initiatives.
In September 2019, BMO introduced a new bursary program to commemorate 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar’s retirement from international team competition. The Ian Millar Legacy Award is presented to any Canadian rider making their Nations’ Cup debut in the BMO Nations’ Cup, held during the CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – of which BMO has been the presenting sponsor since 1977. The bursary pays tribute to Millar, with whom BMO holds the distinction of the longest corporate/athlete relationship in the history of Canadian sport. Additionally, the Ian Millar Legacy Award is greatly significant for the future of the Canadian Show Jumping Team and its ability to support horses and riders.
“BMO Financial Group embodies all the characteristics of the perfect sports sponsor: loyalty, longevity and participation, to mention a few,” said Millar. “I have been sponsored by BMO Financial for over 30 years and this support that I received has been critical to my ability to sustain my commitment to our Canadian Show Jumping Team. Through the Ian Millar Legacy Award for Canadian BMO Nations’ Cup riders, BMO continues to support our Team athletes going forward. I salute BMO Financial Group and congratulate them on receiving the 2019 JC Sponsor of the Year Award.”
Sue Bundy, Director, Corporate Sponsorships, BMO, added, “BMO is honoured to be, once again, recognized as a supporter of equestrian sport in Canada. For over 40 years we have participated in the sport of show jumping, including our long-standing partnership with Ian. We look forward to recognizing new talent over the coming years.”
In addition to introducing the Ian Millar Legacy Award, BMO significantly increased the prize money for BMO Nations’ Cup itself. On Sept. 7, 2019, the BMO Nations’ Cup featured a purse of $530,000, easily making the competition the richest Nations’ Cup held anywhere in North America. This helped draw top talent from all over the world, enhancing the already world-class reputation of Spruce Meadows, bettering competition opportunities for Canadian athletes on home soil, and engaging more spectators and supporters from across the nation.
Finally, reconfirming its commitment to honour the Canadian show jumping community at large and the exceptional individuals who comprise it, BMO returned as the presenting sponsor of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame for a record 12th year in a row. The 2019 Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, held Nov. 3 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON, celebrated the following outstanding contributors: Greg Greenough, Wayne McLellan and the 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medal team (Mac Cone, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze and Ian Millar).
BMO Financial Group also received the title of JC Sponsor of the Year in 2007. It is a meaningful contributor to Canada’s success on the international stage, and EC is grateful for its continued support of show jumping nationwide.
Created in 2005, the JC Sponsor of the Year Award recognizes the significant impact that corporate sponsorship has on Canadian show jumping. Past recipients include Grant Production Testing Services Ltd. (2018), SSG Gloves, (2017) and the Younger-Millar Family (2016). For a complete list of award recipients, click here.
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PHOTO – Sue Bundy (right), Director, Corporate Sponsorships, BMO, accepted the 2019 JC Sponsor of the Year Award on behalf of BMO Financial Group from Pam Law, Chair of the EC Jumping Committee, at the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, presented by BMO Financial Group, on Nov. 3, 2019, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, ON.
PHOTO CREDIT – Michelle C. Dunn