(Charlottetown, PE - Thursday, February 28, 2008) – Mayor Clifford Lee, Tourism Charlottetown President, David MacKenzie and PEI Rugby Union Executive Director, Greg Lucas, announced that the 2008 Eastern Canadian Rugby Championships will be hosted in Charlottetown at Simmons and Colonel Gray Sports Fields from July 10th-13th.

“We are delighted to host this event,” said PEI Rugby Union Executive Director, Greg Lucas. “It is a wonderful opportunity to promote our sport and display the talent of some of the best players in the country.”

The Championships will bring together a showcase of 500 participants, plus friends and families, from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland for the four day event, with Men’s U16 and U18 and Women’s U17, U19, and Senior divisions.

“In Charlottetown, we recognize the valuable role sport plays in ensuring a well-balanced and economically driven community and we are delighted to host this exciting competition,” said Mayor Lee. “During their stay in Charlottetown, participants will experience the true spirit and friendly hospitality of our great city and all that it has to offer.”

“Tourism Charlottetown recognizes the importance of the sport tourism market and the SCORE initiative. Along with our partners the City of Charlottetown and the Hotel Association, we will continue to direct proceeds from the Tourism Accommodation Levy to the sport market in order to build on the continued success we are experiencing,” stated David MacKenzie.

SCORE, with partners, continually pursues opportunities for Charlottetown to host regional, national and international sporting events. The City of Charlottetown and Tourism Charlottetown realizes the value of the events sector and has placed high priority on sporting events to stimulate tourism, economic and community growth.