Nissan kicks off cross-Canada search for high school football athletes in fifth season of the Nissan Kickoff Project
Nominations open today for youth football players to represent their communities at the 106th Grey Cup
MISSISSAUGA, ON (Sept. 6, 2018) – Having supported 4,300 students from 78 high schools since 2013, the Nissan Kickoff Project has returned for its fifth season with an ambitious new goal: to reach every high school football athlete and community across Canada. This year, Nissan Canada will offer 70 high school football athletes the sporting opportunity of a lifetime: to join the Nissan all-Canadian TITAN team as part of Grey Cup week.
Though talent is critical, there is much more to being an athlete than what fans see on the field. Great players begin with great character and as such, Nissan is looking for young individuals who shine just as brightly off the field as they do in the game.
Starting today, players, friends, teachers and family members can nominate a high school football athlete who demonstrates the TITAN values listed below: toughness, innovation, tenacity, ambition and notability. Student-athletes selected will represent their team as part of the All-Canadian TITAN team in an exhibition game in Edmonton, taking place on November 23 ahead of the 2018 CFL Grey Cup.
T – Tough: TITANS strive for excellence under all conditions, using their mental and physical toughness to face challenges head-on and drive toward success.
I – Innovative: Leaders have the imagination to envision outcomes beyond expectations, seeing an innovative path to that vision and inspiring others to follow.
T – Tenacious: Everyone faces challenges and shortcomings along the road to success, but leaders have the tenacity to push through when faced with a roadblock and energize those around them to do the same.
A – Ambitious: Achievements are rooted in a clear vision, and a staunch commitment to realize that vision. When great leaders pair ambition with hard work, anything is possible.
N – Notable: Standing out can be hard to do in today’s world, but those who rise above the norm and stay true to themselves inspire followers with their authenticity, bravery and boldness.
“Sport nurtures strong values and exemplary leadership characteristics, that athletes are able to carry forward into various aspects their own lives, and that of their communities. That is why Nissan is so proud to recognize outstanding young individuals who epitomize these traits, through the fifth season of the Nissan Kickoff Project,” said Steve Rhind, director of marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. “This year, we look forward to building on the impact the Nissan Kickoff Project has had across several Canadian communities over the past four years by directly engaging even more Canadian athletes and families.”
In 2017, the Nissan Kickoff Project donated over $52,000 to high school football programs from coast-to-coast, providing students with increased access to the game through funding, equipment, uniforms and motivational events. The goal of the 2018 program is to further enhance the sports experience for youth athletes across Canada by providing them with an unforgettable weekend, presented alongside their CFL idols at the 106th Grey Cup.
Nissan has been a proud sponsor of the CFL for over a decade in a partnership that resulted in the inception of the Nissan Kickoff Project five years ago. Last year, the program benefitted 16 different high schools from coast-to-coast, bringing the total to 78 schools impacted over the past five years. During this time, CFL players have provided encouragement, mentorship and friendship year after year to the next generation of Canadian football athletes.
“We are thrilled with the success of the partnership between Nissan and the CFL over the past 11 years,” said Randy Ambrosie, CFL commissioner. “The important work that the Nissan Kickoff Project does with youth football across the country is invaluable and we are proud to be a part of the program’s fifth season as we grow the game of football together.”
To nominate yourself or a high school football player in your community, please visit: www.nissankickoffproject.ca. Application forms are open from today through to October 19, with the All-Canadian TITAN captains revealed later in October, and the final TITAN team selection being announced in November.
Fans can follow this year’s journey on social media using #NissanKickoffProject.
About Nissan Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. NCI was the first Japanese-based automaker to incorporate in Canada in 1965, and now directly employs 306 full-time staff across offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC). There are 207 independent Nissan dealerships, including 81 that also act as Nissan Commercial Vehicles dealers, 114 electric vehicle-certified dealers, and 42 INFINITI retailers across Canada.
More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.INFINITI.ca.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.INFINITIUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and INFINITINews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world’s largest automotive partnership, with combined sales of more than 10.6 million vehicles in calendar year 2017.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit
nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
