As Guadalajara Games come to a close this weekend, Pan Am Games spotlight now turns to Toronto 2015

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM:TSX) (CM:NYSE) today announced that it has signed a sponsorship deal to become the Lead Partner of the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, to be held in the Greater Toronto Area in July and August, 2015.

"As the 2011 Guadalajara Games come to a close over the weekend, CIBC wants to congratulate the Guadalajara organizing committee, Team Canada and all participants for a memorable event," said Gerald T. McCaughey, President and CEO, CIBC. "As the spotlight now turns to 2015, CIBC looks forward to working with the Toronto organizing committee to make the 2015 Games a tremendous success."

CIBC's sponsorship is more than just financial support for the Games. Beyond the monetary contribution, CIBC's partnership includes a comprehensive national marketing strategy, professional resources, legacy scholarships and athlete support, cultural program management, and a proven track record of grassroots engagement and community activation.

"An international sporting and cultural event such as the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games is an enormous opportunity for Canada, for Ontario and for the Greater Toronto region," added Stephen Forbes, CIBC's Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Communications. "We are proud to associate our brand with what will no doubt be a significant event that will inspire a generation of young athletes and be a source of tremendous pride for our communities."

"We are extremely pleased by this incredible show of support from CIBC," says Roger Garland, Chair, TO2015 Board of Directors. "Having one of Canada's leading financial services organizations stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us as we present these Games to our city, the province, the country and the world, is indeed a privilege."

With 42,000 employees, one of the largest banking networks in Canada and the Caribbean, and a proud history of innovation and community leadership, CIBC is uniquely qualified to be an invaluable and highly engaged strategic partner for TO2015.

CIBC's history of successful sponsorship activation programs is extensive and includes significant experience with volunteer engagement, proven capabilities in building awareness and consumer action through innovative fully integrated marketing campaigns and fresh creative thinking, deep-rooted community and business relationships, and proven success in connecting with Canada's diverse communities.

About CIBC
CIBC 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.

About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
The Pan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). The Games comprise all Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The Pan/Parapan American Games Toronto 2015 will draw 10,000 athletes and officials and feature 48 sports in 17 municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan Am Games August 7-14.  For more information about the Games, please visit www.toronto2015.org.

™ - Trademark of the Toronto Organizing Committee for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games