BMO Financial Group announced today that the Blizzard Celtic '01 girls soccer team has been selected BMO Team of the Week. The team is now eligible to be the BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion and win $125,000 to upgrade its local soccer field.
"The Blizzard Celtic '01 is a team bursting with heart, determination, kindness, friendship and dedication to soccer. I am continually amazed at the girls' growing passion for the great game at such a young age. I've seen them grow immensely throughout the season both on and off the field. They practice and play hard and always do so with a great attitude,” said Paul Burke, coach of the Blizzard Celtic ’01.
“This team has enjoyed many wins but has also lived through its share of losses. They handle defeat with grace and ease and this is what impresses me the most. Having fun and establishing lasting friendships is what this team is all about. To see the Blizzard Celtic '01 play is to understand that the future of women's soccer in this country is indeed bright. I am extremely proud to coach this wonderful group of youngsters," added Mr. Burke.
Blizzard Celtic '01 Named Fifteenth and Final BMO Team of the Week
• Team sent school supplies to children in Burundi
• Team participated in the Relay for Life 12-Hour Walkathon on same weekend as tournament
• Now a finalist for BMO Team of the Week grand prize which includes $125,000 field refurbishment
During the soccer season the girls helped their communities both individually and collectively by participating in the Relay for Life 12-Hour Walkathon while playing in a tournament the same weekend; paying tribute to veterans on Remembrance Day; sending school supplies to children in Burundi; and helping their siblings excel in sports.
“The Blizzard Celtic is an exceptional group of young girls. When it comes to giving back, they have shown that can go beyond the borders of their own community. Whether on or off the field, the team embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow- all while having lots of fun. Congratulations on a well-deserved BMO Team of the Week Win,” said Mike Suzuki, District Vice-President, Calgary, BMO Bank of Montreal.
The Blizzard Celtic '01 are the fifteenth of 15 youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada that were selected between April 1 and June 30 as weekly BMO Team of the Week winners based on team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. The winners will now for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public through online voting, which begins August 1.
A team profile of the Blizzard Celtic ‘01 can be viewed at www.BMOsoccer.com
