New Curling Program Comes to Town
Capital One Rocks & Rings program brings curling to Vancouver schools
Burnaby, BC (October 15, 2009) – The Capital One Rocks & Rings is expanding its program to British Columbia in an effort to get Vancouver-area youth moving during the school day. This new program will expose curling to children and families that would otherwise not receive the opportunity, with the ultimate goal being increased participation in the sport. The program will be offered at no charge to the participating children.
Using unique floor curling equipment, students experience a high-energy, fun-filled session while learning about the sport in their school's gymnasium. The Capital One Rocks & Rings program will visit 40 - 50 Vancouver-area schools in the 2009-10 school year.
“Bringing curling to the children in the community is a compelling extension of our sponsorship of the Grand Slam of Curling,” said Ian Cunningham, Chief Marketing Officer, Capital One Canada. “Not only do we get these kids moving during the day, but we also introduce this great Canadian sport to the next generation of curlers.”
“Last year was a wonderful start to the Capital One Rocks and Rings program. As part of the plan, the Canadian Curling Association is very pleased to see the Capital One Rocks & Rings Program expand into other urban markets for the benefit of inner-city school children to gain access to the sport of curling. Vancouver is a great launching pad for this development program on the West Coast and coincides very well with it also being the Olympic year in that city,” commented Greg Stremlaw, the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association.”
With each elementary school visit, the Capital One Rocks & Rings program reaches six to seven classes or approximately 150 to 200 students. Upon completion, each student receives a graduation certificate which also provides valuable information including where and how the student and his or her parents can get involved in curling in their area.
“Congratulations to Rock Solid Productions on the successful launch of the Capital One Rocks & Rings program in Toronto last year. Curl BC is very pleased to see this innovative program expand to BC schools this year, and we look forward to increased participation at our local clubs,” said Scott Braley, CEO, Curl BC.
About Capital One
Located in Toronto, Ontario, Capital One has offered Canadian consumers a range of competitive MasterCard® credit cards since 1996, when the company first introduced the Platinum MasterCard® in Canada. Capital One Canada is a division of Capital One Bank, a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation of McLean, Virginia (NYSE: COF). Capital One is committed to the community and to helping youth through our business and nonprofit partnerships and through the skills and dedication of our talented associates.
About Rock Solid Productions Inc.
Rock Solid Productions Inc. is an agency that helps clients exceed their marketing goals through leveraging various aspects of the sport of curling. President Chad McMullan has a long history in the sport having spent years as both Executive Director of the World Curling Tour and as a top-level competitor.
About the CCA
The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) is the national sport governing body responsible for the development, promotion and organization of curling in Canada. In cooperation with its Provincial and Territorial Member Associations across Canada, the CCA provides programs and services to curlers ranging from the youngest “little rocker” (age 7 and up) to those 60 and older and from aspiring Olympians to Canadians with special needs, coaches, curling facility operators and volunteer boards, ice makers and officials. The CCA and their Member Associations are also responsible for the organization and operation of the championship system that culminates in the Canadian Championships operated by the CCA for Juniors (20 and under), University, Seniors (50 and over), Mixed, Women, Men and Wheelchair.
The Dominion
Canadian owned and operated since 1887, today The Dominion is one of the country’s largest property and casualty insurers. The Dominion takes pride in providing Canadians with confidence that the cars, homes and businesses they value are protected. A fierce advocate for consumer interests, The Dominion is committed to making sure the insurance system works best for consumers. The Dominion strongly believes consumers should have access to independent, professional advisors, who provide advocacy and choice, which is why they distribute their products exclusively through independent brokers. The Dominion's priority is to earn and maintain the trust and loyalty of policyholders, employees and business partners. Visit thedominion.ca
About Curl BC
Curl BC is the provincial sport governing body responsible for the development, promotion and organization of curling in British Columbia. Curl BC is also responsible for the championship system that declares provincial representation at National events. In cooperation with its Members, Curl BC provides service to both competitive and recreational curlers, including a variety of special interest groups.
Media Contacts:
Capital One
Laurel Ostfield
Communications Manager
416-549-2753
Rock Solid Productions
Chad McMullan
President
416-666-7674
Curl BC
Robbie Gallaugher
Communications & Administration Coordinator
(d) 604-333-3617
(f) 604-333-3615
(toll free) 1-800-667-2875