– From coast-to-coast, the Nissan Kickoff Project will strengthen Canadian football and breathe new life into local communities –
Mississauga, Ont. – The Nissan Kickoff Project officially launched for its third year to provide funding and support to struggling high school football programs across Canada. Starting with 12 schools across seven provinces, the Nissan Kickoff Project has returned to surprise Canadian high schools with the specific support they need to play football, including financial funding, equipment, uniforms and motivational events. This year, the program will help nearly 1,200 students from 26 schools nationally in 24 cities and eight provinces coast-to-coast.
"We are excited to announce that for the third year in a row, the Nissan Kickoff Project will be working with high schools across the country to give young Canadians the chance to learn and grow through the power of sport," said Joni Paiva, president, Nissan Canada Inc. "Nissan is committed to improving the communities we work in, and together with the CFL, we are hopeful that we will be able to continue making a real difference."
The Nissan Kickoff Project assists high schools that have the passion for the game but are in need of resources to participate in football. Schools are then chosen in areas where Nissan dealers and, where possible, the CFL and its teams are able to take part at a crucial local level. For the program's third year, more than 25 Nissan dealerships and four CFL teams, including the B.C. Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, are expected to participate on varying levels.
This year's program began on September 2 and has visited 12 high schools so far, including Churchill High School in Winnipeg on Saturday, September 17. The Nissan Kickoff Project surprised the students at Churchill on their Homecoming Day with a pep rally and an amplified home game experience. In addition, the Nissan Kickoff Project donated $10,000 worth of new jerseys, cleats and helmets to hopefully make the football program more attractive to new and existing students. Looking ahead, teams from 14 additional high schools will be surprised with a variety of support throughout September and October as the football season gets underway.
"Churchill High School is extremely grateful for such a wonderful donation," said Kirkland Harper, head coach of the Churchill High School football team. "The experience provided by the Nissan Kickoff Project and the Nissan dealers was incredible. Our players, program, and school are better off for the future thanks to Nissan."
Nissan has been a proud sponsor of the CFL for 10 years and their involvement is integral to the success of the Nissan Kickoff Project. This year, the CFL will be providing a number of significant contributions including valuable insights, donations of training equipment and special player appearances. The CFL will help train and motivate the next generation of Canadian football players, as well as teach the importance of teamwork, cooperation, hard work and friendship. The Nissan Kickoff Project, in partnership with the CFL, is hopeful that this experience will provide a positive influence that rallies the communities and the students together.
"We are excited once again to bring football to more students across Canada through our partnership with Nissan," said Jeffrey L. Orridge, CFL Commissioner. "The Nissan Kickoff Project has been a resounding success and I can't wait to see what the program's third year will bring. Together with Nissan, we have been able to bring football to communities throughout the country and provide students with the opportunity to play the game of football and all that comes with being on a team and staying active."
To follow this year's journey on social media, please use #NissanKickoffProject.
# # #
