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New program helps kids get active
February 2, 2009
 | Capital One Rocks & Rings program brings curling to inner-city GTA schools. |
Toronto, ON (February 2, 2009) – The Capital One Rocks & Rings program launched this morning in an effort to get GTA youth moving during the school day. This new program also 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 30 GTA schools in this inaugural season with expansion into other major urban centres in the 2009-10 school year.
“It is so satisfying to see the look on a child’s face when they embrace a sport for the first time,” said Ian Cunningham, Chief Operating Officer, Capital One Canada. “Curling requires both physical and mental skills. The Rocks & Rings program not only gets these kids moving, but also introduces a new generation to this very challenging sport.”
“We were thrilled to have recently signed a formal partnership with Capital One Canada. As part of the framework of that partnership, we agreed to be the official national sport partner to the Capital One Rocks & Rings Program. We feel that the concept of starting this initiative in Canada’s largest market (Greater Toronto Area) and expanding this program to other major urban and inner-city areas across the country will play a pivotal role for the future of curling,” explained 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.
“This is an excellent example of the important impact physical activity can have on a student’s life and their overall ability to achieve,” said Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West. “By giving children the opportunity to learn a new sport, be physically active and have fun we are teaching children the importance of healthy living which will serve them well now and in the future.”
“We are ecstatic at the response the program has received to date – it’s beyond my highest expectations. The kids and teachers absolutely love it and all the while we help address several of the challenges the sport faces,” said Chad McMullan, President of Rock Solid Productions, Inc. and creator of the Capital One Rocks & Rings program. “Thanks to the amazing support of our partners, we are able to expose curling to a whole new audience”.
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).
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.
