Nissan Kickoff Project helps 800 Canadian students get in the game during successful fourth year

Nissan and the Canadian Football League work to benefit schools, communities across Canada

(MISSISSAUGA, ON – Dec 20th, 2017) – As the 2017 season of the Canadian Football League (CFL) wraps up following the thrilling 105th Grey Cup in Ottawa, Nissan Canada Inc. is proud to share the results of The Nissan Kickoff Project’s fourth consecutive year.

The Nissan Kickoff Project, in partnership with the CFL, returned to surprise high school students across Canada with the opportunity to experience the educational, developmental and social benefits that organized football provides. The program identifies high schools that are passionate about the sport, but are lacking the resources required to allow students to participate.

As a result of this year’s Nissan Kickoff Project, nearly 800 students from 16 schools in six provinces received the support they needed to play football. Support provided by the project included financial funding, equipment, uniforms and motivational events. Since its inception, the program has contributed over $500,000 to 80 high schools across Canada.

“The fourth annual Nissan Kickoff Project picked up where it left off last year, enabling students across the country to play, and learn valuable lessons from the sport they love,” said Steve Rhind, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. “Nissan is proud to support this program and to help youth, schools and communities across Canada.”

Taking part at a crucial local level, Nissan dealers and, where possible, the CFL and its teams provide support to nearby Nissan Kickoff Project schools. This year, students had the opportunity to interact with CFL players in Vancouver and Hamilton. In Edmonton, they had the opportunity to be a part of the ‘Toes on Turf’ pre-game experience.

As the official vehicle provider to the CFL for 10 years, Nissan Canada’s long-time partnership with the league played an important role in this year’s Nissan Kickoff Project. From valuable insights to donations of training equipment and special player appearances, the CFL pitched in to help train and motivate the next generation of Canadian football players. Teamwork, cooperation, hard work and friendship are just some of the benefits that communities across Canada are seeing for these students.

“The CFL is proud to support the Nissan Kickoff Project in its successful fourth year of growing our game in what has been an incredible season for Canadian football,” said Randy Ambrosie, CFL Commissioner. “The work of our great partners at Nissan on this important program ensures that youth have access to football and to the valuable life lessons learned through sport.”

Nissan Kickoff Project – 800 students, 16 schools, 12 cities, 6 provinces