Intact Insurance congratulates Canadian Sport Awards winners

TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - Intact Insurance and all of its people across the country send their congratulations to the winners of the 37th annual Canadian Sport Awards. The awards honour athletic excellence and leadership for those who competed and inspired hope throughout 2009.

As one of the premier sponsors of Speed Skating Canada, Intact sends its additional congratulations to members of the national team. Christine Nesbitt, who won gold in Vancouver, has been named the Female Athlete of the Year. Her team mate, silver medal winner Marianne St-Gelais, was named Junior Athlete of the Year. Partners of the Year went to the world record setting Women's Team Pursuit Speed Skating Team of Nesbitt, Kristina Groves and Brittany Schussler.

For its ongoing commitment to speed skating in Canada, Intact Insurance was presented with the Corporate Excellence Award which recognizes and celebrates a company that provides outstanding support to amateur Canadian sports.

"All of us at Intact are immensely proud of our Canadian athletes, but the relationship with speed skaters is particularly close to our hearts. Our people and many of our customers have embraced the sport thanks in great part to the support of skaters young and old who participated in the Intact Speed Skating Challenge with such enthusiasm," said Louis Gagnon, President, Intact Insurance. "As a premier sponsor of Speed Skating Canada since 2006, we have seen terrific results from the relationship."

"Intact has been a true partner and all of us in the speed skating community are truly pleased to see their solid commitment to the sport recognized with the Corporate Excellence Award," said Jean R. Dupré, Director General, Speed Skating Canada. "We share a passion for always striving for excellence and I believe that has been a major factor in the success of this relationship."

Intact promotes speed skating through its Speed Skating Challenge, an online video competition that seeks to select Canada's best speed skating story and with the Intact On The Edge Program, which brings speed skating to the classroom and helps increase awareness of the sport. The company also sponsors local speed skating clubs in Longueuil and Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

About Intact Insurance

Intact Insurance is Canada's largest home, auto and business insurance company, protecting over three million customers. Intact's coast-to-coast presence, along with its strong relationship with insurance brokers, means the company can provide the outstanding service, comfort and continuity customers deserve. Intact Insurance is a member company of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC).

www.intactinsurance.com/www.intactfc.com

For further information: Media Inquiries: Ian Blair, Director, External Communications, [phone] ext. 45251, [email protected]; Investor Inquiries: Louis Marcotte, Vice President, Finance & Treasurer, [phone], [email protected]