Sun Life Financial expands relationship with the CFL by helping players develop a winning retirement playbook

Financial planning partnership a first for professional players' association

TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial has teamed up with the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) to offer financial planning and career seminars to all players across the eight teams. This marks the first time the CFLPA has partnered with a financial services organization to provide athletes with potential career opportunities for life after football. Additionally, Sun Life will also be offering all CFL players access to its award-winning financial tools and calculators.

"CFL athletes share the same concerns as other Canadians when it comes to saving money and planning for their retirement," said Mary De Paoli , Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life Financial. "We're excited to expand our relationship with the CFL to include the CFLPA so we can offer tailored financial guidance to their players."

In addition to financial planning seminars, Sun Life's career seminars will give players the opportunity to learn about becoming a Sun Life advisor once they step off the field. Given the average CFL career is only three years, many athletes are left with the decision of what to do once their playing days are over. CFL athletes possess many of the same attributes of successful Sun Life advisors - dedication, drive, and a positive sense of teamwork. In fact, Sun Life currently has four former CFL players who transitioned into their second career as advisors.

"The CFLPA's new partnership with Sun Life really gives the players another dimension to life after football," said Mike Morreale , President, CFLPA. "As players, they are worried about what's happening on the field and don't always think of life after they retire from the game. By Sun Life coming right into the locker rooms to provide financial planning assistance and career opportunities, it will help many players successfully plan for their future."

"We're excited to be expanding our partnership with Sun Life in a way that has great benefits to our players," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon . "Our players are deeply rooted in the communities in which they play, with many of them working in the off-season. This partnership provides them with additional opportunities and tools to help them be as successful off the field, as they are on the field."

The CFLPA partnership is in addition to a two-year sponsorship extension that Sun Life has signed with the CFL, which will continue the association of two strong Canadian brands straight through the 2013 season. Player jerseys and a portion of the end zone signage will feature the Sun Life logo during the CFL playoffs as well as the 100^th Grey Cup game - this year being held in Toronto.

Watch Mary De Paoli and Mike Morreale speak about the partnership.

About the CFL
The Canadian Football League is our league. The Grey Cup is our national championship and Canada's largest annual single sporting event. We are proudly preparing for the 100th Grey Cup in 2012. The celebration will span the country and culminate in a tremendous festival and game in Toronto this November. We invite all Canadians to be a part of it.

About the CFLPA
Establishing fair and reasonable working conditions for ALL CFL Players since 1965.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2012, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $496 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.