The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency today announced a $50,000 contribution to the Nova Scotia Curling Association in connection with the Sobeys Slam 2008 international curling tournament in New Glasgow in November. This investment will help to market the high profile event internationally.

“This Grand Slam curling event is an excellent opportunity to promote Pictou County and the province as a premier destination for national and world-class sporting events,” said Minister MacKay. “The marketing effort will also promote this area as a tourism destination and a good place to do business.”

“The national and international attention focused on Nova Scotia during this event will enhance this province’s reputation as a good place to host major sporting events and is a tribute to the many volunteers who have helped to make it a success,” said Georgie Granchelli, President of the Nova Scotia Curling Association.

The three-day Sobeys Slam 2008 is expected to attract the top-ranked women curlers from Canada, the United States and China. Included among the more than 160 competitors, officials and support personnel will be Team China, the Silver Medalists in last year’s world championships.

A major sporting event such as this will focus significant national and international media attention on Pictou County and the province. A comprehensive media package for this event will include print, radio and television advertisements, promotional material, website advertising as well as CurlTV, which is available in as many as 40 countries around the world.

Sobeys Slam 2008 will take place November 27-30 at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium and the Bluenose Curling Club, in New Glasgow. More than 275 volunteers will be involved in helping to host the event.

ACOA is investing $50,000 for this marketing initiative through its Business Development Program.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Government of Canada is providing the Nova Scotia Curling Association with $50,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program to help with an international marketing campaign for the Sobeys Slam 2008 women’s curling tournament in New Glasgow. ACOA Minister Peter MacKay says the ACOA funding will promote Pictou County and Nova Scotia as premier destinations for world-class sporting events. More than 160 curlers, officials and support staff from Canada, the United States and China will take part in the November event.

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INFORMATION:

David Harrigan
Media Relations Officer
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-4238
David.harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Jeremiah Anderson
Executive Director
Nova Scotia Curling Association
902-425-5450