• Official Bank of the CFL partners with the Argos to continue the growth of Canadian football in the Greater Toronto Area

TORONTO, May 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and the Toronto Argonauts today announced a new partnership, making Scotiabank the Official Bank of the team, extending the Bank's national sponsorship programs to communities across Ontario. The two-year agreement will cover the 2011 and 2012 Argos seasons. Scotiabank is the Official Bank of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and of seven of eight Canadian football clubs.

"We are very excited to add the Toronto Argonauts to our roster of Canadian football clubs," said Duncan Hannay, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing. "Through our partnership with the Argos, we are able to help fans celebrate their favourite team and players throughout the season, and unite them through the passion that brings football fans together in Ontario."

"The Toronto Argonauts are thrilled to partner with Scotiabank through the 2012 season," commented Bob Nicholson, President & CEO, Toronto Argonauts.  "As our brand of exciting football continues to capture the hearts of fans from around the GTA, the Argos continue to attract top-notch corporate partners who not only invest in the team but work with us to create engaging activations for our fans. The agreement with Scotiabank will create opportunities for our fans to show their colours, making it a perfect corporate fit for our team."

As the Official Bank of the Argos, Scotiabank brings its successful league-wide programs to Toronto fans including: Scotiabank Kid Captain, Show Your Colours, and Customer Cardholder Benefits (including Scene cardholders) throughout the season such as special ticket and merchandise offers. The agreement with the Toronto Argonauts also includes in-stadium signage and digital exposure on argonauts.ca.

In addition to a long-time sponsorship with the CFL, Scotiabank has partnerships with seven of eight CFL teams - the other six include the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos and BC Lions - and continues to be one of the league's most committed partners.

ABOUT THE TORONTO ARGONAUTS
The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, celebrating their 138th anniversary in 2011. As Toronto's #1 community team through player involvement, community programs and The Argos Foundation, the Toronto Argonauts, a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For 2011 season ticket and group sales packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO.  For more information on the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, please visit argonauts.ca.

ABOUT SCOTIABANK
Scotiabank is a proud supporter of the Canadian Football League and is the Official Bank of the CFL, of seven of the eight clubs, and of the Grey Cup. Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, the Bank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years.  Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Image with caption: "Scotiabank's Senior Vice President, Marketing, Duncan Hannay and Toronto Argonauts President and CEO, Bob Nicholson celebrate a new partnership announcing Scotiabank as the Official Sponsor of the Toronto Argonauts. (CNW Group/Scotiabank)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110526_C7917_PHOTO_EN_01.jpg