Jolin-Corriveau is one of the 67 amateur athletes on CIBC Team Next funding and mentorship progam

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM), the Premier Partner of the Canadian Parapan Am Team, is thrilled to congratulate cyclist Louis-Albert Jolin-Corriveau on winning Canada's first medal at the TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games.

A native of Lévis, Que., Louis-Albert captured the bronze medal this morning in the T1-2 Cycling Road Race.

"I'm really honoured to be the first Canadian to win a medal for Canada," he said after the race. "It simply makes me happy and proud. I'm the first one!"

He is one of 67 amateur athletes in the CIBC Team Next program, which provides funding and financial advice, plus life skills and mentorship from nine of this country's athlete champions. Louis-Albert, 25, is paired in the program with one of Canada's best-known track and field athletes, the iconic Bruny Surin.

"Louis-Albert had a spectacular race. I'm thrilled for him," says Bruny Surin, CIBC Team Next mentor. "We are so proud of him."

"Louis-Albert's inspirational performance showcases the #PanAmazing abilities of para-athletes, reminding all Canadians that our perceptions about what's possible will be redefined by these Parapan Am Games, " says Monique Giroux, Vice-President, Sponsorship and Marketing, CIBC.

CIBC Team Next athletes competing in the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games have so far won a total of 31 medals, including the first two gold medals of the Pan Am Games by sprint kayaker Michelle Russell and synchronzied swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau and Louis-Albert's first medal for Canada today.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Wholesale Banking - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

About CIBC's Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Sponsorship

As the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games CIBC is committed to enriching Canadian communities through the power of sport. Through our investments we will create a lasting legacy by funding next-generation athletes, encouraging the volunteer spirit of our employees, helping finance landmark venues and engaging our diverse communities while fusing sport with arts and culture. To learn more visit www.cibc.com/ca/features/panamgames.html.

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Image with caption: "CIBC Team Next cyclist Louis-Albert Jolin-Corriveau wins bronze, Canada's first medal of the Parapan Am Games in Toronto. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150808_C9424_PHOTO_EN_44124.jpg