Back Injury Forces Maude-Aimee LeBlanc to Cut Short her LPGA Season

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - Aug. 7, 2012) - Maude-Aimée LeBlanc will miss the final five tournaments in her first season on the LPGA circuit because of a stress fracture. After being bothered by back pain for several weeks, she consulted several specialists, who confirmed the diagnosis.

"I can't hide the fact that I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to my next tournament, since I've been working hard on the technical aspects of my game and my latest performances have boosted my confidence. Still, I'm at the very beginning of my career: my health is my priority, and I don't want to jeopardize it. That's why I'm going to take the time I need so that I've healed 100% by 2013," said the 6' 1" Sherbrooke native.

By requesting a medical release, LeBlanc will be able to pick up the number of tournaments she misses this year at the beginning of the next LPGA season, so she can make a full recovery before she starts to play again.

LeBlanc will therefore spend the next two months resting. During her convalescence, she will be able to count on support from her principal sponsor, Garda.

"We've developed strong ties with both the athlete and the person. We were so impressed by Maude- Aimée's solid determination, and she's proven she has the talent to shine among the best on the circuit," said Stéphan Crétier, Garda's president and CEO. "We have no doubt she'll rise to the top, but hope that for now she'll focus all of her energy on recovering from her injury, and we'll always be there to support her."

The 23-year-old has played in eight tournaments on the pro circuit, winning a total of $43,165. With a 282-yard average driving distance, she's currently the longest hitter in the LPGA.

LeBlanc was introduced to golf at the age of 5 and won her first tournaments at age 9. She received a scholarship from Purdue University, where she won the Junior Orange Bowl international championship in 2006, as well as the 2006 Canadian Junior Championship. She is one of Golfweek magazine's All- American First Team picks and All-American Second Team for the NGCA. She won the Mary Fossum Award for maintaining the lowest average strokes per round in the Big Ten Conference. She was also a First Team All-Big Ten player for the third year in a row and ranked first in the Purdue national championship.

ABOUT GARDA

Garda, proud sponsor of Maude-Aimée LeBlanc, professional LPGA player, is a global provider of security and cash logistics solutions. With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the firm's 45,000 dedicated professionals, among the most highly qualified and best-trained in the industry, serve clients in countries throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Garda works with clients in a broad range of sectors and industries including financial institutions, retailers, governments, humanitarian relief organizations and the natural resources, construction and telecommunications industries. Garda's global experts take the time to fully understand their clients' business goals and objectives in order to customize solutions with strong local engagement that meet their needs.

As a result, clients can improve operational performance, meet their business obligations, and achieve their corporate objectives. With proven experience and a commitment to ensuring the highest ethical standards in everything the company does, Garda has earned a reputation for integrity, leadership and uncompromising safety standards. Most importantly, businesses, governments and individual clients place their trust in Garda. For more information, visit: www.garda.com.