TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Canadian Tire and Wayne Gretzky surprised one lucky contest winner with a personal invite to come out and play, as part of the 'Wanna Play?' campaign. Selected via a social media contest, a Canadian hockey family and their friends had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a game of ball hockey with the 'Great One' at a local outdoor rink.
Gretzky, a Brand and Jumpstart Ambassador with Canadian Tire, is encouraging Canadians to get out and play. The idea is simple – invite Canadians to get outside and be active using the two most inclusive words we know: 'Wanna Play?'
"One of the greatest hockey players ever, Wayne Gretzky, is a welcome addition to help Canadian Tire inspire Canadians to live healthy, active lifestyles," said TJ Flood, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Canadian Tire. "We believe that play helps foster fitness, confidence and creativity. It all starts with the simplest act of a neighbourly knock on a front door with an invite to play."
Throughout the summer, 'Wanna Play?' focused on rediscovering the enjoyment of inviting others out to play. Through social media, partners, athletes and influencers shared content outlining how they play and challenged Canadians to do the same. As a hockey legend, coach, mentor and role model, Wayne Gretzky is an inspiration to kids and adults alike.
"When I was growing up, the streets were always full of kids – my dad was such a positive influence on me. In surprising Canadians with an invite to play via Canadian Tire, I want parents to realize how inspiring they can be to their children," said Wayne Gretzky. "The more parents play, the more their kids are going to want to participate. And to think it all stemmed from two simple words, 'Wanna Play?'"
With a long history of supporting sport in Canada – from Jumpstart, to community sponsorships, to professional partnerships, sport is in Canadian Tire's DNA. Being active through organized sports and physical activity helps foster important social and development skills in addition to physical benefits. Our commitment to helping Canadian families enjoy life in Canada – from the playground to the podium – is stronger than ever.
About Canadian Tire Corporation
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, (TSX:CTC.A) (TSX:CTC) or "CTC," is a family of businesses that includes a retail segment, a financial services division and CT REIT. Our retail business is led by Canadian Tire, which was founded in 1922 and provides Canadians with products for life in Canada across its Living, Playing, Fixing, Automotive and Seasonal categories. PartSource and Gas+ are key parts of the Canadian Tire network. The retail segment also includes Mark's, a leading source for casual and industrial wear, and FGL Sports (Sport Chek, Hockey Experts, Sports Experts, National Sports, Intersport, Pro Hockey Life and Atmosphere), which offers the best active wear brands. The nearly 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division and the tens of thousands of people employed across the Company. For more information, visit Corp.CanadianTire.ca.
SOURCE CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED
Image with caption: "Canadian Tire and Wayne Gretzky surprised a lucky family and their friends with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play ball hockey with the 'Great One' at a local outdoor rink. (CNW Group/CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151008_C7696_PHOTO_EN_517153.jpg
