Canadian Pacific (CP) has been named the Jump Canada Sponsor of the Year for 2014 in recognition of the railroad’s renewed commitment to the sport of show jumping in Canada.
In 2014 CP took the reins at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, securing title sponsorship of both the Grand Prix at the ‘Continental’ and the $1.5 million CP International, which is part of the prestigious CSIO5* Masters tournament for a period of three years. The $1.5 million CP International in September presented the largest prize money ever offered for a single-day event in show jumping history — making it the richest event of its kind in the world.
“CP’s success is allowing us to have a stronger presence in the communities in which we operate,” said E. Hunter Harrison, CEO of CP. “I’m honoured that Jump Canada has recognized our railroad’s sponsorship of this masterful sport and proud that this partnership has allowed us to give back in a meaningful way.”
The return of this iconic brand to Spruce Meadows brought with it a most memorable season of sport and increased sense of community. Ian Millar’s historic victory in the CP International was something that Canadians celebrated from coast to coast-to-coast.
“We are thrilled that CP has once again joined with Spruce Meadows to make history,” said Spruce Meadows President Linda Southern-Heathcott. “Spruce Meadows and the CP brand share a common history dating back nearly 40 years. In fact, CP is a cherished and founding corporate brand that has had a significant presence at Spruce Meadows since its very first tournament in June of 1976. Outside the ring, community initiatives such as CP Has Heart, where the railway contributes funds to heart health each time a competitor jumped a clear round were illustrative of how truly committed CP is to the community and to each of its partners. Like the railroad itself, our partnership is engaged 24/7/365.”
CP is also a presenting sponsor of the International Bromont, held in Bromont, Que., and the railroad has enlisted Ian Millar, the most decorated and renowned equestrian in the sport, to wear the CP brand.
“The contribution of CP in show jumping throughout Canada makes them one of the major supporters of our discipline, and I am proud that our events have been chosen among the Canadian competitions to benefit from their support and encouragement,” said Roger Deslauriers, general manager of the International Bromont. “The city of Bromont, the team at International Bromont and its volunteers join me in thanking CP for its sponsorship.”
Created in 2005, the Jump Canada Sponsor of the Year Award recognizes the significant impact that corporate sponsorship has on Canadian show jumping sport. Past recipients include Kubota Canada Ltd. (2005), Canadian National Railway (2006), BMO Financial Group (2007), Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies (2008), Frantisi Inc. (2009), Cavalor Inc. (2010) Samuel Group of Companies and Sam-Son Farms (2011) and Running Fox (2012).
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