TSN and The Dominion Announce New Multi-Year Partnership for THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME

- The Dominion becomes the title sponsor of TSN's annual curling skins event in new multi-year deal -

- THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME lets fans vote top curlers into the event featuring a total cash purse of $100,000 -

- TSN also to showcase The Dominion's grassroots curling initiatives including The Dominion Curling Club Championship -

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TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - TSN today announced a new multi-year curling partnership with The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company that will see Canada's trusted insurance company become the title sponsor of TSN's annual curling skins event.  Beginning January 2013, THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME features the top men's curlers in Canada as voted by the fans and competing for $100,000 in prize money live on TSN.

The announcement was made earlier this afternoon by George Cooke, CEO and President of The Dominion, and Stewart Johnston, President of TSN, during the fourth end of the 2012 TSN CURLING SKINS GAME final at Casino Rama featuring Kevin Koe taking on Jeff Stoughton.

"We at The Dominion are excited to be the title sponsor of the THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME.  This event will raise the profile of curling in Canada, pushing it upward in the hierarchy of sport - parallel to that of hockey, baseball or basketball which all have All-Star game events," said Cooke.  "Enabling curlers and curling teams to take part in the team selection furthers The Dominion's commitment to the growth of grassroots curling in Canada.  We are proud to partner with TSN, a broadcast leader and a true friend to the sport of curling - as is The Dominion."

"TSN is thrilled to partner with The Dominion for the THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME.  This best-in-class event will no doubt continue in TSN's long-standing skins tradition of giving Canadian fans fierce curling competition from the country's top curlers," said Johnston.  "Curling has forever been a part of the sporting fabric of our nation and its significance, especially at the grassroots level, has never been greater.  To work alongside The Dominion on promoting the game in communities across Canada and engaging fans with the chance to vote in their favourite curlers are privileges that we are proud to have."

"The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) was pleased to help bring TSN and The Dominion together in an effort to further enhance the Skins Game, its format and its place within the TSN framework. This event has become a fan favourite and it will now allow curling enthusiasts from across the country to have a say in how the event looks and its representation," said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the sport's national governing body, the Canadian Curling Association.  "The CCA is very proud to be involved with this event and enhanced collaboration with both our exclusive broadcast partner, TSN, and the CCA's official insurance company, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company."

THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME gives fans the opportunity to vote online at TSN.ca to select their favourite four curlers at each position - lead, second, third and skip - to participate in TSN's annual curling skins event.  The curlers included on the all-star ballot are ranked by the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS), which is used by the CCA.

Similar to previous TSN Skins events, THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME uses a single-elimination format whereby the winner is decided by total prize money and not total points throughout the two-day event.

TSN's partnership with The Dominion extends to the insurance company's extensive programs and platforms supporting grassroots curling in Canada, including The Dominion Curling Club Championship - the ultimate experience for club curlers.  Beginning in December 2012, TSN will air an annual one-hour special on The Dominion Curling Club Championship, as the country's top men's and women's club championship teams are afforded the opportunity to compete not only within their province or territory, but also nationally in the CCA sanctioned event.

Additional details on THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME for 2013 and TSN's partnership with The Dominion will be announced throughout the 2012 curling season on TSN.  Operated by TSN Events, THE DOMINION ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME takes place next year at Casino Rama, marking the sixth year in a row that the casino and entertainment complex in Rama, ON, will host TSN's annual curling skins event. Sponsors of the event currently include Chartered Accountants, ASPRIN and The Source.

About 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

About TSN

TSN is Canada's Sports Leader and Canada's most-watched specialty network. Delivering more sports coverage in High Definition than any other network in Canada, TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule features an exciting lineup of sports including NHL, CFL, NFL, NBA, MLS, the IIHF World Junior Championship, Season of Champions Curling, Golf's Majors, F1, NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, Grand Slam Tennis, EURO 2012 and 2016, the Tour de France, NCAA March Madness tournament and Championship Boxing events. TSN properties include TSN2, TSN MOBILE and the industry-leading sports website TSN.ca. Official broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games, TSN is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company.

For TSN:
Greg McIsaac, (w) 416.384.5180, (c) 416.458.3591, [email protected]
Chobi Liang, (w) 416.384.7584, (c) 416.859.4738, [email protected]
Renee Rouse, (w) 416.384.7599, (c) 416.428.4807, [email protected]
Twitter: @TSN_PR

For The Dominion:
Shelagh Paul, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, (w) 416.350.5880, (c) 416.577.3977, [email protected]
Twitter: @dominioncurls