As a proud broadcast sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, CIBC invites Canadians to share the excitement of the world's game

TORONTO, May 18 /CNW/ - As proud broadcast sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, CIBC kicks off a national tour to celebrate the world's game on Friday, May 21st, in greater Vancouver. Featuring a CIBC-branded motor home and the CIBC Soccer Crew, the cross-country tour will engage Canadians in the excitement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and promote CIBC's broadcast sponsorship.

The CIBC tour will join CBC Soccer Nation, a mobile soccer festival run by the official Canadian broadcaster of 2010 FIFA World Cup™, at nine community soccer tournaments and festivals starting in Vancouver and ending on the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup™ on July 11th in Toronto. Along the way, the CIBC tour will also visit dozens of CIBC branches from coast to coast.

Engaging Canadians at these nine CBC Soccer Nation events and a number of CIBC branches, the CIBC Soccer Crew will work alongside CIBC employees to host fun and interactive soccer drills and other activities such as CIBC "Soccer Hero". Tour stops will also promote special incentives and contests, and visitors will be able to experience CIBC Mobile Banking or arrange to meet with a CIBC advisor.

"More Canadians play soccer than any other sport and the FIFA World Cup™ draws out the pride and passion of millions of Canadians from every background," said Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice-President, CIBC Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs. "CIBC is very proud to support this spirit of competition that celebrates and enriches Canadian diversity."

Hosted in South Africa from June 11th to July 11th, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is one of the largest global sporting events ever and CIBC is proud to partner with CBC, RDI TLN and Fairchild-Talentvision as the broadcast sponsor of the games across Canada. Viewers can catch all the action with coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ beginning June 11th and check out the highlights after with the CIBC Post-Game Show on CBC.

"Soccer is the world's most popular sport which appeals to everyone irrespective of age, gender, skill-level, language, race or nationality," said Mr. Forbes. "In 2010 we will once again see Canada's diverse communities rally around their favourite teams with excitement and enthusiasm. CIBC is proud to be a part of this historic event."

With 1,076 branches, CIBC has one of the largest branch networks in Canada. CIBC clients also benefit from access to more than 3,800 automated bank machines, and 24/7 service by phone, online and through mobile banking.

CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.