Becomes exclusive banking partner, helping Paralympians reach the podium

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) are proud to announce an exciting new partnership, with CIBC becoming the CPC's Official Banking Partner in support of Canada's current and future Paralympians.

As one of CPC's premier partners and its exclusive banking partner, CIBC is pledging its support to Paralympians in next year's Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto and the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and beyond.

"This a very exciting day for Paralympic sport in Canada with the announcement of this partnership," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "CIBC's support will be a great boost to Canadian athletes with a disability, from playground to podium."

This new four-year sponsorship deal broadens CIBC's support of Canada's high performance amateur athletes and reflects the bank's passion for sports as a way of inspiring and instilling valuable life-long skills to Canada's youth.

"As part of our continued commitment to sports and community development, CIBC is thrilled to support the Canadian Paralympic Committee and their dedication to developing champions who inspire us all," said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, CIBC. "We look forward to cheering for these talented Canadian athletes and celebrating their success as they pursue their dreams of representing our country on the world stage."

CIBC is also the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, and as part of its sponsorship, established the CIBC Team Next program in July 2013 to assist 67 up-and-coming athletes in their dream of reaching the podium.

"This partnership is a huge vote of confidence from CIBC," said Stephanie Dixon, a multiple Paralympic gold medalist in swimming and a CIBC Team Next mentor, who is training in hopes of making the Canadian para-Nordic relay team for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. "This will further inspire youth and other Canadians with a disability to be leaders and achieve their goals."

"I applaud CIBC for sponsoring the Canadian Paralympic Committee," said the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "CIBC is taking a leadership role at engaging people in communities across Canada through its sponsorships. I am pleased to see this new partnership with CPC, which will raise awareness of Paralympic sport, support our athletes with disabilities and encourage all Canadians to celebrate their accomplishments." 

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca

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. CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. In 2012, CIBC contributed more than $38 million to over 1,900 charitable and non-profit initiatives in 450 communities. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Image with caption: "CIBC teams with Canadian Paralympic Committee in new multi-year sponsorship. Left to Right, Josh Cassidy, Paralympian and CIBC Team Next mentor, Laura Dottori-Attanasio, CIBC's Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, Stephanie Dixon, Paralympian and CIBC Team Next mentor, and Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131028_C7681_PHOTO_EN_32649.jpg

Image with caption: "CIBC teams with Canadian Paralympic Committee in new multi-year sponsorship. Left to Right, Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Laura Dottori-Attanasio, CIBC's Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, Stephanie Dixon, Paralympian and CIBC Team Next mentor, and Josh Cassidy, Paralympian and CIBC Team Next mentor. (CNW Group/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131028_C7681_PHOTO_EN_32645.jpg