GATINEAU SUPPORTS THE RIVERMEAD GOLF CLUB IN ITS EFFORTS TO HOST THE 2014 CN CANADIAN WOMEN'S OPEN

Gatineau, February 21, 2012. – Gatineau is proud to support the Rivermead Golf Club in its efforts to secure the 2014 CN Canadian Women's Open.

"As the city with the most golf courses (twelve) in the province, Gatineau rates as Quebec's urban golf capital! Hosting the CN Canadian Women's Open, which is part of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) circuit, would provide the opportunity to foster this major tourist attraction, to position Gatineau as a national reference for major sports events, and would generate more than $20 million in economic benefits. If the organizing committee's nomination is accepted, Gatineau would support the event with a cash contribution of $100,000 with the help of partners, and of $150,000 in services," indicated Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau.

Gatineau's financial support is conditional on that of other partners, and a commitment on the part of the organizers to priorize the tourism facilities throughout the territory. In addition, the organization would have to ensure that the event raises funds that will then be donated to local hospitals.

"The CN Canadian Women's Open has become one of the key tournaments for the best female golfers in the world. One of the mandates of this sports event is to get the community involved in helping sick kids in the host city. This means that local health agencies would benefit directly from having this championship come to Gatineau," pointed out the Chair of Gatineau's Commission des loisirs, des sports et de la vie communautaire, Joseph De Sylva.

The Canadian Women's Open is broadcast around the world by several national and international media, including RDS, CBS, TSN, TSN2 and the Golf Channel, which airs it live. The CN Canadian Women's Open in Gatineau would be seen by more than 149 million viewers in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway and Spain!