$25,000 Grant available for program funding to attract new participants from all backgrounds

TORONTO, Jan. 10 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) today launched a new initiative to support hockey in the Greater Toronto Area and to attract new participants from all backgrounds to the sport. Each season, the Scotiabank GTHL New to the Game Development Grant will distribute a maximum of $25,000 among GTHL association and member teams that demonstrate a program plan targeted at attracting new participants to hockey.

"The popularity of hockey in Canada is stronger than ever, and the excitement of the sport is being carried into several of Canada's diverse communities," said John Doig, Senior Vice-President, Toronto Region.  "Through this program, Scotiabank is looking forward to introducing the game of hockey to a new generation of players while instilling teamwork and interpersonal skills that will last a lifetime." 

Between Monday, January 10 and Friday, February 11, 2011, any GTHL association or member club may apply for the program funding individually, or in collaboration with one another.  Applicants must demonstrate their program plan targeted at attracting new participants to hockey in their local community. Scotiabank and the GTHL will collectively choose the most viable program(s) from the pool of submissions and distribute the necessary funds totaling $25,000.

"The Scotiabank GTHL New to the Game Development Grant enables our member clubs and associations to engage and interact with their community on a new level, helping grow hockey and attract new players through the approved programs," said GTHL President John Gardner. "For the first time, member associations of the GTHL will have the additional funding to reach out to their communities and invite youth from any background to participate in Canada's favourite sport."

For more information about the program or to download an application form, please visit the GTHL website or click on the following link: http://www.gthlcanada.com/content/?page=46.

About the GTHL

Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League is a non-profit organization and is the largest amateur minor hockey league in the World.  There are more than 40,000 participants registered annually in the GTHL.  GTHL jurisdiction spans Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, and Markham and includes players ranging from the ages of 4 - 20.  The GTHL is a proud member of the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank.  As the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™ and the CWHL, Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game. Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank's partnership with Pro Hockey Life provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to Scotiabank customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies. Scotiabank has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens®, the Ottawa Senators®, whose home arena is Scotiabank Place and the Calgary Flames®, whose home arena is Scotiabank Saddledome. For more information, on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2010 the Bank provided about $50 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.