Ford Motor Company of Canada renews as title sponsor

The Ford Motor Company of Canada has renewed its long-term commitment to the sport of curling by extending its title sponsorship of the world curling championships staged in Canada through 2013, with an option for 2014. It has also expanded its involvement by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of the men’s and women’s world championships held outside of Canada during that time. “It is fantastic news that Ford of Canada is continuing its extensive partnership within the sport of curling and as the official automotive company of the Canadian Curling Association,” said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association (CCA). “We are very fortunate to be aligned with such a well-respected corporate partner.” Ford of Canada began its title sponsorship of the men’s and women’s world curling championships in 1995, when the first Ford Worlds was staged in Brandon, Manitoba. “Ford Motor Company of Canada is excited to be continuing its partnership with the Canadian Curling Association and the World Curling Federation for an 18th year as title sponsor of the Ford World Curling Championships in Canada,” said Graeme Whickman, Vice-President, Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. “We value our long-standing relationship with the CCA and the WCF, and are proud to continue supporting the curling community and this world-class event.” Kate Caithness, President, World Curling Federation (WCF), said, “Special thanks go to the Ford Motor Company of Canada for their continued commitment to support the sport of curling and the World Curling Federation’s flagship World Championship events. “This latest agreement marks a new era of their partnership with the WCF and CCA. While continuing as title sponsor of our World Championships held in Canada, Ford now takes up the prestigious position of presenting sponsor of our Men’s or Women’s World Championship events held outside Canada.” The Ford World Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships were staged together from 1995 through 2004. Beginning in 2005, the men’s and women’s championships were separated and alternately staged in Canada, with Ford of Canada as title sponsor. The Ford World Men’s has since been held in Victoria (2005), Edmonton (2007), Moncton (2009) and most recently Regina (2011), while the Ford World Women’s was played in Grande Prairie (2006), Vernon (2008) and Swift Current (2010). The 2012 Ford World Women’s is set for Lethbridge, Alberta, March 17-25, while the 2012 World Men’s will take place in Basel, Switzerland, March 31-April 8. Last summer, the World Curling Federation and the Canadian Curling Association announced a three-year agreement guaranteeing a world championship in Canada each year through 2014. In addition, the CCA was granted ownership of the Presenting Sponsor position for world championships held outside of Canada during that time. In addition to title sponsorship of the world championships for the past 17 years, Ford has also sponsored the popular Ford Hot Shots in Canada for the same length of time, offering a new Ford vehicle to the winner of the curling skills competition which annually precedes both the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Tim Hortons Brier.