Canon supports “Why do you love football” Photo Challenge

New to this year’s program is Canon’s support of the NFL’s Youth Education Towns (NFL YETs) across the country. Built in Super Bowl host cities as lasting legacies of the game, the 15 NFL YETs are education and recreation centers committed to making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of children. In honor of all photos submitted into the contest, Canon will donate $150,000 worth of products, including EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Cameras, PIXMA MP560 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers and VIXIA High-Definition Camcorders, to the NFL YET Centers, while also educating NFL YET Center staff and students in the art of photography and digital imaging.

"Canon is proud to continue to build upon its long-standing sponsorship of the NFL by lending our support to the NFL’s YET afterschool centers," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "We strongly believe in education, not only in photography but all aspects of life. NFL YETs do a tremendous job of inspiring youth in their communities and we hope to help foster the next generation of photographers and community leaders."

"We’re thrilled that Canon has chosen to support the NFL Youth Education Towns," said Lynda Hamilton, Manager of NFL Charities. "The donation of the product, along with the hands-on training, will expose children to a life-long hobby which will continue to educate, empower and inspire them for years to come."

The nationwide amateur photo contest features two categories; "Action" and "Feature." The "Action" category focuses on any image that captures football action during game play, while the "Feature" category comprises any football imagery outside of game action on the field. In addition to the adult division, there will be a contest for teens, ages 13-17 as well. Parents, family members and friends are encouraged to enter up to 10 of their favorite youth football photos from September 3, 2009 to December 2, 2009 by visiting www.usa.canon.com/nfl and following the online entry instructions.

A judging panel consisting of Archie Manning, former NFL quarterback and father of two Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks; Peter Read Miller, Canon Explorer of Light and Sports Illustrated, photographer; and other prominent staff photographers and photo editors will determine the group of 14 finalists in each division. The voting will then be turned over to the fans who can vote for their favorite photo from December 21, 2009 until January 8, 2010, via the contest Web site listed above, with the Grand Prize winner being crowned in early January.

"Being involved in Canon’s ‘Why Do You Love Football’ Photo Challenge is something I really enjoy," said former NFL quarterback Archie Manning. "This is my fourth year as a judge and I continue to be amazed by the quality of photographs we receive year after year and know these fans will look back in the years to come and cherish the memories they’ve captured. I still flip through my old photos and they never fail to bring me back to some of the greatest moments of my life."