SUPPORT FOR NEARLY 1,200 CANADIAN STUDENTS COAST-TO-COAST BEGINS AS NISSAN KICKOFF PROJECT ENTERS SECOND YEAR
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Starting with four schools in Edmonton last week, the Nissan Kickoff Project (formerly called Back in the Game), in partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL), has returned for its second year to give more Canadian youth the opportunity to experience the educational, developmental and social benefits that organized football provides. This year, nearly 1,200 students from 26 schools in 19 cities and eight provinces will receive the specific support they need to play football, including financial funding, equipment, uniforms and motivational events.
Working with various sources, the Nissan Kickoff Project identifies schools that have the passion for the game but are in need of resources that the program can provide. Schools are then chosen in areas where Nissan dealers and, where possible, the CFL and its teams are able to take part at the crucial local level. Beginning with Queen Elizabeth High, W.P. Wagner, J. Percy Page and Oscar Romero high schools in Edmonton last week, teams from 22 other schools will be surprised with a variety of support throughout September and October as the football season kicks into high gear.
For the students involved, winning on the field represents the immediate goal but, for coaches, parents and administrators, it is not how a successful season is defined. Teamwork, cooperation, hard work and friendship are just some of the things that communities will see these students benefit from and, as a long-time partner with Nissan Canada, the CFL is proud to take part in the initiative. From player appearances to donations of training equipment and coaching assistance, the CFL, B.C. Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts will all be pitching in to help train and motivate the next generation of Canadian football players.
The journey can be followed at #NissanKickoffProject on social media platforms and, to share the program’s deep impact, Director/Producer David Grabias of Artifact Films will be creating a documentary about the trials, tribulations and achievements of one of this year’s schools, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
“The Nissan Kickoff Project is about giving Canada’s next generation the opportunity to play and grow on a team. This year, we’re going to reach more Canadian schools and our staff and dealers, as well as the CFL and many of its teams, are ready and excited to build on the impact we saw last year. Together, we’re hoping to once again make a real difference in communities coast-to-coast.”
- Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada
“We are immensely proud to be teamed up with Nissan once again to bring more football to schools across Canada. The Nissan Kickoff Project is a testament to Nissan’s commitment to building stronger communities and football’s ability to build stronger and healthier young people who embrace team work, discipline and dedication — and have tremendous fun along the way."
- Jeffrey L. Orridge, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League
“We know how important it is for kids to feel like they belong to something, and the Nissan Kickoff Project has just given our team and students something that they will never forget. The equipment and funds are fantastic, but I think the greatest value was seeing how special and important Nissan Canada made our kids feel – that’s a feeling they will keep with them forever.”
- Nick Dagg, Head Coach, Oscar Romero
Information, images and B-Roll of Nissan’s full lineup are available at www.media.nissan.ca or upon request.
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.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
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. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 187 independent Nissan dealerships, 38 Infiniti retailers and 45 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers across Canada. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year awards.
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.
