DHL Express Canada Offers a Canadian Youth Leader a Chance to be Part of Rugby History at Rugby World Cup 2015

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 13, 2015) -

• Contest calls for Canadians to nominate a local child or youth who exemplifies the values of leadership through sports for the chance to deliver the Official Match Ball onto the field of play
• Winner will deliver the Official Match Ball for the Ireland vs. Canada match
• DHL to be Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015

DHL Express Canada, the world's leading express and logistics provider, today announced the launch of a contest which offers a unique, money-can't-buy experience for one lucky child in Canada - the chance to become part of Rugby history and deliver the Official Match Ball onto the field of play at Rugby World Cup 2015.

DHL Express Canada, the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, will select the child or youth (aged eight to 15) from a pool of applicants to their contest, The DHL Youth Leadership Scrum, which celebrates youth leadership through sports. The contest winner and his or her guardian will attend Rugby World Cup 2015 in England and Wales, delivering the Official Match Ball onto the field for the Ireland vs. Canada match on September 19, 2015.

"As Canadians, we are passionate about sports and participation in team sports for children and youth. It has been identified by Canadian health experts to be a great way for young people to improve physical and mental health, as well as learn self-discipline, teamwork and the meaning of leadership by example," said Andrew Williams, CEO of DHL Express Canada. "As an active supporter of sports around the world, DHL understands that these skills translate beyond the field to all aspects of life and that today's youth sports leaders will help Canada thrive in the future."

DHL Express Canada is asking Canadians to help find a deserving youth to win this experience of a lifetime. To nominate an outstanding young person in the community who exemplifies the spirit and values of leadership through sports, visit simplydhl.com/matchball2015 and explain why your nominee deserves to win.

In addition to delivering the Official Match Ball, the contest prizing includes flights, accommodations, a Rugby World Cup 2015 DHL merchandise kit, including a uniform and rugby ball for the winner and their parent or guardian.

Entries will be judged by an expert panel looking for a child or youth who exhibits leadership qualities, promotes the spirit of and practice of sport ideals, builds or promotes community values, and has a positive impact on the community.

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, played in over 100 countries. The Rugby World Cup is the greatest prize in Rugby and one of the world's most admired competitions, having established itself as one of the most important sporting events behind the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

"Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world but it is also a game that exemplifies teamwork, speed, accuracy, passion, a commitment to excellence and a will to win - these are the same values that we strive to bring to life every day for our customers," said Williams.

The partnership between DHL and Rugby World Cup 2015 continues a longstanding relationship between DHL and the game of rugby. As the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, DHL will assume responsibility for the logistics for one of the biggest international sporting events, which will take place in host country England over six weeks in September and October 2015. DHL will be responsible for the transportation of Tournament and team equipment from around the world to the 13 match venues in England. The equipment to be transported will include an estimated 1,400 balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags.

Rugby World Cup 2015 will consist of 48 matches played by 20 nations over 44 days. During the Tournament, there will be 920 players and team officials, over 60 citing, judicial and match officials, 6,000 volunteers, 400,000 visitors to the United Kingdom, and an estimated £2.1bn economic impact.

DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

For more information: www.dpdhl.com