Media Advisory - Parliamentarians and Athletes Lace-Up for the First Annual Canal Classic Supporting Jumpstart Charities

TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - On January 30, join the Governor General of Canada, parliamentarians, athletes, members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, as well as representatives from Canadian Tire and Sport Chek for the first annual Canal Classic supporting Jumpstart Charities. A fundraiser for Jumpstart, the 'Canal Classic' is a friendly game of hockey on Ottawa's historic Rideau Canal.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national program dedicated to helping kids from financially disadvantaged families participate in organized sports and recreational activities by covering the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation. Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Jumpstart believe every child deserves the chance to develop the confidence, social skills and discipline that come with organized play.

One hundred per cent of the money raised through the event will go back to the hometowns of each fundraiser to help local kids get involved in sport.

Event Details:

What:	The inaugural Canal Classic supporting Jumpstart Charities, followed by a post-game reception at the Government of Canada Conference Centre

Where:	Media Registration: Government of Canada Conference Centre, Annex Lounge 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1X 8X5 Colonel By Drive Entrance Canal Classic: Rideau Canal Skateway, National Arts Centre Entrance

When:	Thursday, January 30, 2014 7:45 AM - Media registration at Government of Canada Conference Centre 8:00-8:50 AM - Canal Classic game and formal remarks 9:00 AM - Trophy presentation and photo opportunities 9:10-10:00 AM - Open skate for Jumpstart kids 9:15-10:00 AM - Post-game reception

Who*:	Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Jumpstart representatives will be joined by over 35 hockey fans to play in the first annual Canal Classic, including: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada Parliamentarians NHL and Olympian alumni including: Shaun van Allen, NHL Alumni Laurie Boschman, NHL Alumni Cheryl Pounder, Double Olympic Gold Medallist, Canadian Women's National Hockey Team Alumni Geraldine Heaney, Gold Olympic Medallist, inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Canadian Women's National Hockey Team Alumni Todd Nicholson, Gold Paralympic Medallist, Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team Alumni Spartacat, Ottawa Senators Mascot Local media personalities from the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Jumpstart Charities representatives Local kids that have benefited from Jumpstart Charities * Please contact us for a full list of confirmed Canal Classic participants.

Those who can't attend in-person can also follow the game online and join the conversation on Twitter using through #CTCanalClassic.

SOURCE CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED

For further information:

Candice Bruton
Tel: 416-480-3180
Cell: 416-520-3184
Email: candice.bruton@cantire.com