March 31, 1999

1999 SGI CANADA charity curling classic promises to be best ever

Deputy Premier and Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dwain Lingenfelter today announced the addition of a women's division to the seventh annual SGI CANADA Charity Classic bonspiel.

"Since its inception in 1993, the Charity Classic has offered Saskatchewan residents affordable opportunities to see remarkable world class curlers during four days of thrilling competition," Lingenfelter said. "In addition to the great field of male championship curlers, this year SGI CANADA welcomes the addition of the Casino Regina Women's Challenge, which features 12 of Canada's top women's teams playing for $12,000 in prize money."

"Casino Regina is very pleased to sponsor a new women's division in the annual SGI Charity Curling Classic," said Gord Staseson, President and CEO of Casino Regina. "Given the tremendous success and growing popularity of women's curling, we are confident that the Casino Regina Women's Challenge will help make the Charity Classic even more popular than it already is."

The Men's Division will again feature 32 internationally acclaimed teams competing for $60,000 in prize money. As well, the qualifying teams in both divisions this year will earn points towards their respective tour championships and the 2002 Olympic trials.

The 1999 SGI CANADA Charity Classic runs Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 8-11, at the Regina Agridome and the Tartan Curling Club. The weekend will feature junior curling clinics and a children's play area. There will also be attractions off the ice, including Charity Cheers operating throughout the weekend, a two-day craft sale, high-quality souvenirs and a cabaret on Saturday night.

Proceeds from the 1999 Charity Classic will go to KidSport Saskatchewan.

"KidSport Saskatchewan is once again pleased to be the recipient of the proceeds from the 1999 SGI CANADA Charity Classic," said Dorothy Josephson, Volunteer Chairperson for KidSport Saskatchewan. "Physical activity helps children achieve physical development and improves their self esteem. Funding from the SGI CANADA Charity Classic contributes to the well-being of children in this province."

KidSport Saskatchewan ensures that children, particularly inner city kids, are provided with the opportunity to participate in physical activity and sports regardless of financial obstacles a family may be facing. Physical activity contributes to the development of important life skills like teamwork, dedication and responsibility.

Previous SGI CANADA Charity Classic bonspiels have raised more than $80,000 for Saskatchewan charities, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Saskatchewan Division; the Saskatchewan Head Injury Association and the Children's Health Foundation.

The Charity Classic is organized and staffed by volunteers, mostly SGI CANADA employees and brokers, many of whom have donated their time every Thanksgiving weekend since 1993. All operating revenue is raised through advertising and sponsorship from SGI CANADA brokers and business partners.

For more information, contact:
Penny McCune
Manager, Corporate Relations & Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1674

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