Nissan: Nissan kicks off cross-Canada search for high school football athletes in fifth season of the Nissan Kickoff Project

The Nissan Kickoff Project has supported 78 Canadian high school football programs across Canada, including St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa, Ontario (pictured above).

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – 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 up to 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.

 

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