July 14, 2003

Volvo Canada sponsors ski instructors, golf tournaments

Toronto, Ontario - Volvo Cars of Canada announced an agreement to sponsor the Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA) and the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation (CSCF).

The agreement makes Volvo Canada the "official sponsor" of the CSIA/CSCF and makes the 2004 Volvo XC70 the "official vehicle" of the two ski associations.

"This sponsorship agreement affords Volvo great exposure to a relevant consumer market that will utilize our vehicles in a very appropriate manner - enjoying the great outdoors," says Larry Futers, Volvo Canada's vice-president, marketing.

Montreal-based CSIA and CSCF certify more than 22,000 ski instructors and coaches across Canada. They represent 270 ski schools and 170 ski clubs coast-to-coast.

Together, they impact 6.2 million visits to ski hills each season, more than any other ski association. They provide ski instruction and training at such well-known ski resorts as Whistler Blackcomb, Silver Star, Big White, Sun Peaks, Lake Louise, Blue Mountain, Mont Tremblant and Mont Sainte-Anne, among others.

Meanwhile, qualifying tournaments for the Volvo Golf Challenge (VGC) are underway at 60 of Canada's favourite golf courses.

The series of tournaments, which run from July 1 to August 24, will determine the field for the Volvo Golf Challenge Canadian Championship on Sept. 7, which in turn will qualify the Canadian entry in the Volvo World Amateur Invitational in Spain this fall.

Volvo Cars of Canada says participants at each tournament have the chance to win the use of a new Volvo XC90, earn great prizes from premium golf partners, such as Callaway and Odyssey, and be among the finalists to tee it up on at the Canadian final at Taboo, one of Ontario's top courses. Taboo is the home course of 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir.

Volvo Canada is inviting amateur golfers to register for the qualifying tournaments which are being played at courses in Ottawa, Toronto, London, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

The events are being promoted at Volvo dealerships and golf clubs across the country. Volvo Canada is also running an ad campaign in newspapers, magazines and on television. Golfers can refer to www.volvogolfchallenge.com for a schedule of events. After selecting their preferred course, golfers book their tee-off times in the usual manner. Participants will be registered for the Volvo Golf Challenge on arrival at the course. Regular course green fee charges will apply.

In addition to the opportunity to qualify for the Canadian finals at Taboo, Volvo Canada says golfers will be able to participate in several contests and challenges from Volvo and other sponsors. On-site activities and prizes include:

• Hole-in-One: Use of a Volvo XC90 for one year

• Closest to the pin: A prize package from the Globe and Mail

• Volvo 'Performance on Demand' longest-drive competition: Callaway Big Bertha prize package

• A nine-hole putting challenge on the putting green: Ashworth golf apparel

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