U of Waterloo to host inaugural CCA / CIS curling championships

OTTAWA (CCA / CIS) - The Canadian Curling Association and CIS announced Tuesday that the University of Waterloo will host the first-ever official CCA / CIS curling championships at the Guelph and Elora Curling Clubs from March 12-16, 2008.

The university championships will be a women's and men's invitational event. Entry will be open to one team per gender from CIS-sanctioned universities.

"We are committed to this being a very prestigious event for the student-athletes and all the participants," said Judy McCrae, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of Waterloo. "There is overwhelming excitement by the curling clubs to host the championships."

The winners of the 2008 CCA / CIS championships will represent Canada at the 2009 Winter Universiade (World University Games) in Harbin, China from February 18-28.

In 2007, the University of Calgary squad led by Brittany Gregor claimed Canada's first Universiade gold medal in women's curling in Torino, Italy. The Canadian men captured Universiade gold in 2003 in Tarvisio, Italy.

"CIS looks forward to partnering with the CCA to provide an additional opportunity for student-athletes to excel in the classroom and on the ice," commented CIS Chief Executive Officer, Marg McGregor. "We are very optimistic about the exciting potential of these championships."

"The CCA's relationship with CIS is a dynamic partnership that will allow us to develop the sport at the university level in Canada," echoed Al Forsythe, CCA President. "Growth in the post-junior ranks should improve as this event will bridge competitive development from junior to adult."

"Additionally, the University of Waterloo has a long-standing tradition of operating a first rate curling program and working with the Guelph and Elora Curling Clubs will result in a world class event."

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 Masters (age 60 and over) 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 (under 20), University, Seniors (over 50), Mixed, Women, Men, and Wheelchair.

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