October 2, 2000

SGI CANADA Charity Classic makes history

The attention of the curling world will be focused on Regina over Thanksgiving weekend. That's when men's and women's curling teams will be competing in the eighth annual SGI CANADA Charity Classic.

For the first time ever, the men's division of the Charity Classic has achieved status as a qualifying event for the Canadian Curling Trials, which will be held in Regina next year.

"We are confident fans will be impressed and greatly entertained by the world- class talent that will be on the ice from October 5th to 9th at the Charity Classic," Crown Investments Corporation Minister John Nilson said. "In addition, Saskatchewan people are known for their support of charities. All proceeds from this year's Classic will be spent in Saskatchewan for a very worthwhile cause, Kids Help Phone."

Kids Help Phone is the only national, toll-free, confidential counselling service for children and youth. It is there for young people, 24-hours a day, every day of the year, in both English and French. Kids Help Phone offers a safe place for young people to voice their thoughts, ask questions and get help without fear of repercussions.

The 2000 Charity Classic features 64 men's teams competing for $84,000 in prize money as well as a chance to advance to next year's Canadian Curling Trials from Dec. 1 - 9 in Regina. The women's division features 16 teams competing in the Casino Regina Women's Challenge for $15,000 in prize money.

Once again, the SGI CANADA Charity Classic features many of the world's top curling teams like reigning Saskatchewan provincial and Charity Classic men's champion Bruce Korte, former world champions Russ Howard and Kerry Burtnyk, and the always popular Guy Hemmings and Kevin Martin.

Well-known women's teams include 1999 Charity Classic Casino Regina Challenge champion Patty Rocheleau, reigning Saskatchewan provincial women's champion June Campbell, and 2000 USA national champion Amy Wright, just to name a few.

Curling action will begin Oct. 5. The first rocks will be thrown at five o'clock Thursday afternoon. The Casino Regina Women's Challenge will begin at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 6. Curlers will be competing at three rinks throughout Regina: the Agridome, the Tartan and the Wheat City Curling Clubs.

"We are pleased to be able to support local charities like Kids Help Phone," Nilson said. "It is significant since 1993, the Charity Classic has raised more than $100,000 for Saskatchewan charities."

The Charity Classic is organized and staffed by volunteers. All operating revenue is raised through advertising and sponsorship from SGI CANADA brokers and business partners.

Tickets are on sale now at the Agridome box office, SGI head office, Regina Claims branches and participating SGI CANADA brokers' offices. A five day pass is only $30 and a single day pass is $12. Both include parking and entry to off-ice entertainment.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Barbara Cross
Manager, Communications
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1360

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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