Curling program reaches another 100,000 Canadian students

After four years of steady growth, Canada’s acclaimed in-school curling program has achieved a new milestone in the closing weeks of the 2011-12 school year by reaching 100,000 students in a single school year. “This is an incredible accomplishment and is a testament to how much fun the program is for the kids,” said Chad McMullan, president of Rock Solid Productions Inc. and founder of the program. “Not only did we reach 100,000 students by April, we are booked in most regions of the country through June.” Capital One Rocks & Rings introduces the Olympic sport of curling to Canadian elementary school students by bringing customized equipment and trained instructors into schools for day-long visits. The high-energy, interactive and educational program focuses on the basics of the famed sport, which is known as the “Roaring Game”. The program was founded in 2008 and is partnered with title sponsor Capital One, the Canadian Curling Association and The Dominion. Capital One Rocks & Rings has now reached over 265,000 Canadian elementary students to date and continues to expand its reach; even the summer months will also see activity, with summer day camps in the Greater Toronto Area nearly sold out. “This is a significant milestone to be celebrating so early on in the history of the Capital One Rocks & Rings program,” said Ian Cunningham, Chief Marketing Officer, Capital One Canada. “Through this program, our children, their families and their teachers are being introduced to a great Canadian pastime with an emphasis on fun and fitness.” The biggest area of 2011-12 growth was seen in Ontario, which was boosted by development funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “Congratulations to the students, family members and teachers who have experienced Capital One Rocks & Rings,” said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. “As the official national sport partner of the program, we are committed to growing curling amongst Canada’s youth, and are excited by the results we are seeing in numerous markets across the country. Curling is Canada’s sport for all, and the rapid growth of this program bodes well for the game’s future generations.” While there is still time to get classrooms involved this season, the program is already taking bookings for 2012-13. Teachers and school administrators are encouraged to inquire about Capital One Rocks & Rings by visiting the website, www.rocksandrings.com. – 30 – FOR MORE INFORMATION: Greg Stremlaw Chief Executive Officer Canadian Curling Association Office: 613.834.2076 x117 Mobile: 613.799.9993 [email protected] www.curling.ca Laurel Ostfield Senior Communications Manager Capital One Canada 416.549.2753 [email protected] www.capitalone.ca Chad McMullan Rock Solid Productions Inc. 416.666.7674 [email protected] www.rocksandrings.com