Scotiabank National Game Changer to be announced at the 100^th Grey Cup

CALGARY, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Fourteen-year-old Austin Grayston has been named a Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalist for his passion and dedication to help kids play sports. Austin will be recognized on-field at the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto where he could win $100,000 for Youth Boost, an organization that helps youth from low income families participate in organized sports.

"If we could win the $100,000 we would be able to actually change the lives of at least 100 more kids and their families by giving them the real chance to be involved in quality athletics," said Austin Grayston. "I know so many kids who are always in trouble with not enough money or food that would be amazing strong athletes if they just got the chance to be in a sport, so I really hope we win for everyone who needs help."

About Austin:

• Growing up, Austin wanted to play organized sports, but due to financial barriers, he had to partake in the community programs set up for low income families, so he decided to act.
• Austin created Youth Boost, a program that helps young kids get involved in organized sports, regardless of their families' income.
• Austin and friends organized garage sales and an online fundraiser to raise money for Youth Boost.
• To date, Youth Boost has raised $10,000 and helped 53 youth get involved in sports.

Austin is one of eight Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalists, one for every CFL market. The Scotiabank National Game Changer will be announced during the game and broadcast on TSN during the 100^th Grey Cup on November 25, 2012.

"There are extraordinary people who do outstanding things for causes in our community every single day," said Shannon Burch, Scotiabank's District Vice President, Alberta South Region. "The Scotiabank Game Changer program has recognized dozens of community heroes over the course of the CFL season, and now Canadians have the chance to vote for a winner. We encourage everyone to go to www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com and vote today for the Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalist of their choice."

The winner will be chosen by an all-star jury panel comprised of Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Mark Cohon - Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, Stewart Johnston - President, TSN, and Scotiabank's Anatol von Hahn, and through public voting between October 29, 2012 and November 20, 2012. For more information about the Scotiabank Game Changers program and to vote, go to www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a proud supporter of the Canadian Football League and is the Official Bank of the CFL, 100^th Grey Cup Festival, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. 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 our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About the Canadian Football League

The Canadian Football League is our league. The Grey Cup is our national championship and Canada's largest annual single sporting event. We are proudly preparing for the 100th Grey Cup in 2012. The celebration will span the country and culminate in a tremendous festival and game in Toronto this November. We invite all Canadians to be a part of it.

Image with caption: "Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalist Austin Grayston of Calgary, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Austin will be recognized on-field at the 100th Grey Cup where he could win a $100,000 charity prize for the Alberta Youth in Care and Custody Network. (CNW Group/Scotiabank)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121124_C5694_PHOTO_EN_21134.jpg

SOURCE: Scotiabank