Trish Stratus Named Ambassador For Golf Charity In Canada

The following press release was recently issued …

Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru adds program ambassadors

Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Bringing together a number of notable names in sport and entertainment, Golf Canada is delighted to announce its 2011 Team Ambassadors for Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.

Legendary international songstress Celine Dion; fitness icon Trish Stratus; and LPGA Tour players Alena Sharp and Stephanie Sherlock are onboard, lending their support to the program this year.

“We feel very privileged to have these talented women as part of our ‘Team Golf Fore the Cure’ serving as Ambassadors for the program,” says Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Development Officer, Jeff Thompson. “I believe it says a lot for the program when it receives this kind of support from high profile people in the areas of sport and entertainment.”

Golf Fore the Cure, presented by Subaru and conducted by Golf Canada, is the largest grassroots recreational golf participation program for women in Canada.

Since its inception in 2004, the program has not only grown women’s participation in the game of golf through fun, non-intimidating golf-related activities but has also provided women from across the country with the opportunity to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society (and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation) to participate in golf activities and raise money for a worthy cause — the fight against breast cancer.

Dion, a multi-platinum recording artist and a native of Charlemagne, Que., says that it’s an honour to be a Team Golf Fore the Cure Ambassador. p> “I am delighted to be included as an ambassador of Golf Canada’s Golf Fore the Cure program,” she says. “It’s a privilege for me to help raise awareness and funds in support of all women in the fight against breast cancer and the fact that this program surrounds a game that I love to play makes it all the more special.”

Stratus, a longtime proponent of health and fitness agrees, saying she’s grateful to be involved with the program.

“Being able to lend my support to a program that encourages other Canadian women to engage in physical activity and well being through participating in the game of golf is a wonderful opportunity,” says Stratus, adding, “I am truly inspired by the dedicated women who organize and participate in these events who have helped to raise money in support of the fight against breast cancer.”

Now entering its seventh year, Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru has seen event participation in every province exposing more than 63,000 women to the game of golf and raising over $3.2-million for breast cancer research, support and information programs.

In 2010, Golf Fore the Cure set record highs for both event sites across Canada — 232 — and participation numbers — 17,670 —and the program is looking to grow yet again in 2011 —targeting 18,300 female participants at 245 sites in an effort to raise more than $760,000.

Jessica Small, Golf Canada’s Senior Coordinator of Recreation Programs, thinks the addition of Dion, Stratus, Sharp and Sherlock can only highlight the program.

“Incorporating these personalities will no doubt enhance the exposure of the program this year and I for one am very excited about the four ambassadors that have come on board to form our Team Golf Fore the Cure,” says Small.

LPGA Tour members Alena Sharp and Stephanie Sherlock explain that it was an easy choice to lend their support to a program that promotes the game they both love.

“As a former member of Team Canada and now as a professional, I know firsthand Golf Canada’s unwavering pride and commitment towards all its programs,” says Sherlock. “Being a part of Golf Fore the Cure, which not only strives to introduce more women to the wonderful game of golf but also raises awareness in the fight against breast cancer, is truly an honour.”

Sharp, who ranks No. 121 in the world according to the ROLEX Rankings, agrees, saying, “combining golf participation for women with such a valued cause as the fight against breast cancer is very inspiring to me.”

In addition to supporting the program with their name and likeness, Team Golf Fore the Cure Ambassadors are each donating a unique ‘experience’ that will be used for prizing and significant value to participants and volunteers.

Dion has donated two tickets to her Las Vegas show and a backstage meet and greet; Sharp donated an autographed Team Canada golf bag; while Stratus will be in attendance at this year’s Golf Fore the Cure National Event leading a pre-round warm up for all event participants.

The 2011 Golf Fore the Cure National Event takes place at Thornhill Golf & Country Club on Sept. 12th.

ABOUT GOLF FORE THE CURE PRESENTED BY SUBARU

Golf Fore the Cure is a program aimed at growing women’s participation in the game of golf through fun, non-intimidating golf related activities. As a unique element to the program, a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation allows women from across the country to participate in golf activities and raise money for a cause close to all women’s hearts – breast cancer research. To date, Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru has welcomed more than 63,000 participants and helped to raise more than $3.2 million towards the fight against breast cancer. Golf Fore the Cure is proudly presented by Subaru and supported by Corona Light, Investors Group, and Best Health. For more information on Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru, visit www.golfcanada.ca/golfforethecure?

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME

Golf Canada – a member-based organization governed by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) – is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing close to 350,000 members at almost 1,500 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, Golf Canada is responsible for promoting participation in and a passion for the game of golf in Canada.Golf Canada actively conducts championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, National Golf in Schools, Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. As the authority for golf in Canada, the association also administers the Rules of Golf, amateur status and handicapping and course rating under the respected RCGA brand.

In addition, Golf Canada conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships provide world class competitive opportunities for Canada’s top golfers to showcase their talents.

For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca.