Scotiabank returns for the second year as title sponsor of the FitSpirit Celebrations

MONTRÉAL, May 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Beginning on May 7^th, with the support of Scotiabank, FitSpirit Celebrations will be held in eight cities across Ontario and Québec to inspire girls to come together and rediscover the joys of physical activity through a range of exciting challenges and activities. The Celebrations are open to girls ages 12-17 and are designed to encourage physical fitness, regardless of athletic abilities.

New this year, FitSpirit welcomes non-partner schools and girls who haven't participated in FitSpirit activities in the past to join in on the experience.

"Going to a FitSpirit Celebration can help spark an interest in an active lifestyle for every girl," says Claudine Labelle, President and Founder of FitSpirit. "The event that is the culmination of the year's efforts for some can also be the starting point of the adventure for others. At FitSpirit we encourage every girl to go at her own pace."

FitSpirit kicked off the year by welcoming Tessa Virtue to the team as its Annual Mentor. She joined Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, official spokesperson for FitSpirit, as the organization seeks to raise public awareness around the problem of declining participation in sport among pre-teen and teenage girls.

"Physical activity is a powerful tool that equips teenage girls to rise to the challenges of today and tomorrow by improving their psychological well-being, mental health, social skills, cognitive abilities and academic success," explains Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. "FitSpirit activities offer all those and more, making a real difference in the participants' lives," adds Tessa Virtue, who speaks about her personal experience growing up as a figure skater.

Last year, Scotiabank became the title sponsor of the FitSpirit Celebrations, helping the organization expand its presence within Canada.

"At Scotiabank, we know that when given the opportunity to participate in organized activities, that young people will develop life-long skills and values that will support their growth into healthy, contributing adults," says Gillian Riley, Executive Vice President, Scotiabank and President and CEO of Tangerine. "Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. We know that how we support young people today, can prepare them for tomorrow, and that's why we want to provide opportunities to help them reach their infinite potential."

From 2017 to 2018, the number of partners tripled from 11 to 35 partners, creating opportunity to add new towns to its tour and enhancing the experience at existing events.

FitSpirit Celebrations will take place in the following locations:

• May 7, Windsor - Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, Windsor, Ontario
• May 9, Toronto - Downsview Park, North York, Ontario
• May 14, Ottawa/Gatineau - Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario
• May 16, Montréal - Centre de la nature, Laval, Québec
• May 22, Québec City - Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy, Québec City, Québec
• May 24, Rimouski - Parc Beauséjour, Rimouski, Québec
• May 28, Sudbury - Kivi Park, Greater Sudbury, Ontario
• May 30, Abitibi-Témiscamingue - Cité étudiante La Polyno de La Sarre, La Sarre, Québec

For more information about the Celebrations, please visit https://www.fitspirit.ca/participate/celebrations.

About FITSPIRIT
FITSPIRIT help teenage girls to be physically active throughout their lives by offering them a new way to experience sport. With the support of its inspiring and committed community, FITSPIRIT transform every activity into a memorable experience for girls 12 to 17. Every FITSPIRIT activity centred on: friends, role models and fun! This winning combination has allowed FITSPIRIT to mark the lives of more than 150,000 girls since it's creation in 2007. Learn more at fitspirit.ca.

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world. 

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank