News Release:

May 20, 2009

ATB Financial supports cross-country star Sara Renner with major Olympic-year sponsorship

As Canmore cross-country star Sara Renner strives again to climb the Olympic podium at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, she’ll have a major new partner urging her on – ATB Financial.

ATB announced a one-year sponsorship today with Renner that will allow the 33-year-old Olympic silver medallist to focus completely on her dream of winning gold in Vancouver.

“I’m so happy to have major support like this, especially in an Olympic year,” said Renner, who famously won silver in the team sprint at the 2006 Turin Olympics with fellow Albertan Beckie Scott. That memorable race saw Renner break her pole, then be handed a replacement mid-race by a gracious Norwegian coach.

“ATB’s support allows Olympic sport to become my full-time job. It’s what I do, it’s how I support my family. I’ve had success in skiing, but I still haven’t won a major race. That’s my goal in Vancouver. I feel like I have unfinished business.”

Renner, who just completed a training camp in B.C., returned last winter to racing after giving birth to daughter Aria, now two. Renner is married to Canadian alpine ski great Thomas Grandi.

“Being a Mom is great for your athletic career. It gives you great perspective,” Renner said. “It’s a challenge to come back after pregnancy, but in terms of training, I feel like I’m where I was before Turin, and even a little stronger. I believe I’ll succeed in Vancouver, and it’s important that others like ATB believe in me, too.”

ATB President and CEO Dave Mowat said Renner is the perfect partner for ATB, the biggest Alberta-based financial institution and an enduring presence in more than 240 Alberta communities.

“Sara just has this rare combination of qualities. She’s determined, talented, a devoted Mom, socially conscious, a terrific speaker, a great ambassador for Alberta,” Mowat said. “We know our customers and our 5,000 associates will rally around her in the lead-up to Vancouver.”

Mowat said Albertans will see ATB focusing more and more on Alberta stories like Renner’s in the coming months.

“There’s no better way to start that effort than with an Olympic champion,” Mowat said. “She is a compelling, inspiring person, and we’re proud to welcome her to the ATB family.”

For further information please contact:

Shawn Ohler
Director of External and Media Relations, ATB Financial
(780) 408-6529 (office)
(780) 913-8905 (cell)
E-mail: sohler@atb.com

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