Defending Ford World Women's Curling Champion and two time Canadian Champion Kelly Scott and members of her Kelowna, B.C. team will be in Regina September 22nd and 23rd to help promote the upcoming Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Scott along with second Sasha Carter, lead Renee Simons, alternate Michelle Allen and Coach Gerry Richards will be making several public appearances in the Queen City as Regina prepares to host “Hearti Gras.” The 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be held at the Brandt Centre at IPSCO Place February 16 - 24, 2008.

Co-chairs Cathy Trowell and Ron Pugsley along with the entire host committee are extremely excited to have Team Canada in Regina as the city prepares to host the Scotties in a few short months. “The Scotties is a huge event for our city and Kelly and her team will help increase the excitement that is now building towards this national event," said Cathy Trowell.

The public will have a number of opportunities to meet the World Champions. On Saturday, September 22nd, Scott and her teammates will be signing autographs at Regina's Cornwall Centre, 2nd Floor, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. That afternoon, Scott’s rink will be in attendance at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field when the Saskatchewan Roughriders meet Scott's home province B.C. Lions. The World Champions will be again signing autographs and meeting the public during the pre-game festivities which take place at the practice field prior to the Riders vs. Lions game. On Sunday September 23rd, Scott will take to the ice in a morning exhibition game against Joel Jordison at the Caledonian Curling Club.

While Scott's visit to Regina on September 22nd and 23rd will be a promotional tour, the Kelowna rink will be returning to Regina in February 2008 defending their national title as Team Canada at the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

"The autograph signing session is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and meet a world champion and to get into the excitement of “Hearti Gras,” adds Pugsley.

“Hearti Gras” is nine days of exciting on-ice curling action featuring some of the top women's teams in Canada. The event will also feature nightly entertainment at the HeartStop Lounge located in the Agribition Building next to the Brandt Centre.

Tickets for the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts are now available in full event, opening and closing weekend packages. Full event packages include admission into all nine days of the event and are available for Gold seating at $350.00, Silver seating at $300.00 and Bronze at $250.00. The Grand Opener at $80.00 includes admission for the first five draws on Opening Weekend, the Opening Ceremonies and the Ford Hot Shots skills competition. The Grand Champion at $130.00 includes admission to the final three round robin draws, playoffs, semi final and championship final. All ticket packages include complimentary admission into the HeartStop Lounge. Watch for details on Mid-Week mini packs available in November. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 306-543-7800, toll-free at 1-800-970-7328, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or in person at the Brandt Centre Box Office in Regina.

For more information contact:

Cathy Trowell
Co-Chair
539-9276
trowell@sasktel.net

Ron Pugsley
Co-Chair
569-6742
949-1445
ronscotties08@hotmail.com