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.
“The Nissan Kickoff Project is about giving Canada’s next generation the opportunity to play and grow on a team,” said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada. “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.”
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.
“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,” said Nick Dagg, Head Coach, Oscar Romero. “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.”
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.
“We are immensely proud to be teamed up with Nissan once again to bring more football to schools across Canada,” said Jeffrey L. Orridge, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. “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.”
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.
# # #