TORONTO – The Canadian Football League and the National Football League are launching "Flag Football Canada" in over 500 public schools throughout Eastern Canada in October.

Presented by Adidas, "Flag Football Canada" is a grassroots youth initiative developed by the CFL and NFL to introduce the fundamentals of football to students through the school physical education programs in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa and Montreal. The five-on-five non-contact program is expected to reach 200,000 boys and girls in its inaugural year.

During the first week of October, the schools will receive "Flag Football Canada" kits that include junior size Wilson footballs, T-shirts, flag belts, and teachers manuals complete with skill tips and drills. In addition, each student that participates will receive a tips book along with a certificate of participation.

"Flag Football Canada is another excellent example of the type of youth grassroots program fostered by the CFL/NFL Alliance. It remains our collective goal to expose as many young Canadians to the game of football as possible," commented CFL President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Giles.

"We want to introduce football to youth around the world through our Flag Football program," said Don Garber, managing director NFL International. "In addition to launching the program with the CFL in Canada, this year we will introduce it in Europe, Japan, Mexico and Australia."

Additional supporters of the "Flag Football Canada" program include TSN, Gatorade, Wilson and Football Canada.

For further information, please contact:
Jim Neish CFL (416) 322-9650
Mary Griswold NFL (212) 450-2068