1999 SGI CANADA CHARITY CURLING CLASSIC PROMISES TO BE BEST EVER

Released on March 31, 1999

Deputy Premier and Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dwain

Lingenfelter today announced the addition of a women's division to the

seventh annual SGI CANADA Charity Classic bonspiel.



"Since its inception in 1993, the Charity Classic has offered

Saskatchewan residents affordable opportunities to see remarkable

world class curlers during four days of thrilling competition,"

Lingenfelter said. "In addition to the great field of male

championship curlers, this year SGI CANADA welcomes the addition of

the Casino Regina Women's Challenge, which features 12 of Canada's top

women's teams playing for $12,000 in prize money."



"Casino Regina is very pleased to sponsor a new women's division in

the annual SGI Charity Curling Classic," said Gord Staseson, President

and CEO of Casino Regina. "Given the tremendous success and growing

popularity of women's curling, we are confident that the Casino

Regina Women's Challenge will help make the Charity Classic even more

popular than it already is."



The Men's Division will again feature 32 internationally acclaimed

teams competing for $60,000 in prize money. As well, the qualifying

teams in both divisions this year will earn points towards their

respective tour championships and the 2002 Olympic trials.



The 1999 SGI CANADA Charity Classic runs Thanksgiving weekend,

Oct. 8-11, at the Regina Agridome and the Tartan Curling Club.

The weekend will feature junior curling clinics and a children's

play area. There will also be attractions off the ice, including

Charity Cheers operating throughout the weekend, a two-day craft

sale, high-quality souvenirs and a cabaret on Saturday night.



Proceeds from the 1999 Charity Classic will go to KidSport

Saskatchewan.



"KidSport Saskatchewan is once again pleased to be the recipient

of the proceeds from the 1999 SGI CANADA Charity Classic," said

Dorothy Josephson, Volunteer Chairperson for KidSport

Saskatchewan. "Physical activity helps children achieve physical

development and improves their self esteem. Funding from the SGI

CANADA Charity Classic contributes to the well-being of children

in this province."



KidSport Saskatchewan ensures that children, particularly inner

city kids, are provided with the opportunity to participate in

physical activity and sports regardless of financial obstacles a

family may be facing. Physical activity contributes to the

development of important life skills like teamwork, dedication

and responsibility.



Previous SGI CANADA Charity Classic bonspiels have raised more

than $80,000 for Saskatchewan charities, including the Multiple

Sclerosis Society, Saskatchewan Division; the Saskatchewan Head

Injury Association and the Children's Health Foundation.



The Charity Classic is organized and staffed by volunteers,

mostly SGI CANADA employees and brokers, many of whom have

donated their time every Thanksgiving weekend since 1993. All

operating revenue is raised through advertising and sponsorship

from SGI CANADA brokers and business partners.



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For more information, contact:



Penny McCune, Manager

Corporate Relations and Safety Promotion

SGI

Regina

Phone: (306) 751-1674