The B.C. government is helping to bring the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier to Kamloops by committing $100,000 of provincial funding to the event, plus an additional $100,000 from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

The Canadian Curling Association today announced that the City of Kamloops will play host to the Brier in 2014. The provincial funding and BCLC sponsorship helped to ensure Kamloops' success. The tournament will take place over ten days in March of 2014.

In addition to the funding from the government of British Columbia and sponsorship from BCLC, the City of Kamloops and Tourism Kamloops announced event support of $50,000 each.

The economic return on investment is anticipated to be substantial. The Tim Hortons Brier is an iconic Canadian sporting event expected to attract thousands of visitors and significant tourism dollars and media coverage to the region.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"The sport of curling is a Canadian institution and one of the best ways for families to be active and improve their health. Our government is proud to help bring the Brier to Kamloops. I know this event will both inspire new curlers to take up the sport and will ensure that the region sees tremendous economic benefits from the many visitors who will come to see Canada's best curlers in action."

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA -

"The Tim Hortons Brier is one of Canada's longest-running sporting events and it truly is a Canadian icon. We are really proud to have been able to help Kamloops obtain the event, and we know that the people of the city will welcome it with open arms."

Kevin Krueger, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA -

"This is a fantastic economic opportunity both for the City of Kamloops and for British Columbia. The television coverage will mean valuable exposure for the region and the tens of thousands of visitors will make a real difference for local businesses and families."

Michael Graydon, president & CEO, BCLC -

"We're honoured to support an event of this calibre in Kamloops. BCLC has been a proud member of the community for nearly 30 years and we're pleased to help grow the city's reputation as the Tournament Capital of Canada."

Greg Stremlaw, CEO, Canadian Curling Association -

"Kamloops has established itself as a fantastic host city for sporting events, hence its nickname 'The Tournament Capital'. This city is well-positioned to host the world's premier men's curling event and with the provincial support it brought to the table, we couldn't be more pleased to award the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier to the city of Kamloops."

Mayor Peter Milobar, City of Kamloops -

"The successful history of Canada's Tournament Capital as a host city for major sporting events makes Kamloops an ideal choice for the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier, with world-class facilities, excellent amenities, accommodation and volunteers and a thriving community spirit. This amazing event is anticipated to have a $5-million economic impact on our city, and we're honored to be selected."

Quick Facts:

• The Canadian men's curling championship began in 1927.
• Kamloops hosted the Labatt Brier in 1996.
• TSN will provide 60 hours of coverage for the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier.
• According to an economic impact assessment after the 2009 Tim Hortons Brier in Calgary, combined spending by visitors to the City of Calgary, plus revenues and expenditures of the host organizing committee and others, totalled $9.3 million.

Learn More:

Tim Hortons Brier: http://www.curling.ca/championships/brier/

City of Kamloops: http://www.kamloops.ca/index.shtml

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677