MONCTON, December 16, 2008... The organizing committee of the 2009 Ford World Men's Curling Championship would like to extend an invitation to the media and the residents of Greater Moncton to join us for our 2nd flag raising ceremony at Moncton City Hall on Wednesday, December 17th at noon.

This colorful ceremony will celebrate the 8 countries who recently won the right to complete in the World Championships in Moncton: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, Scotland. This flag raising ceremony should be of particular interest to anyone from our community who has a connection to one of these 8 countries.

Fans will be treated to a bagpipe performance, RCMP in red serge raising the 8 flags, the playing of each nation's national anthem and will be treated to hot apple cider provided by Tim Hortons.

Twenty nine countries began play in the European Championships in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden on Dec 6th and after 7 days of competition, these 8 countries emerged victorious. They will join previous qualifiers (Canada, China and Japan) in the quest to be crowned World Champion. The 12th and final qualifying country will be decided in January in a playoff between USA and Brazil.

The 2009 Ford World Men's Curling Championship will be held at the Moncton Coliseum April 3 – 12, 2009. Friday, Apr 3rd will see the opening banquet and opening ceremonies at the Coliseum. Curling begins on Saturday, Apr 4th. The Agrena will be home to The Labatt Extra End Patch for the whole 10 days, where live entertainment, dancing, and fine food will make the Patch the "place to be" during The Worlds.

Tickets sales are brisk and fans are encouraged to buy now to avoid disappointment. The Rocks in your Socks Christmas packages are on sale at special pricing until December 24th. Full event packages for the whole 9 days are still available as is "The Champ" which are championship weekend and evening packages. Detailed information is available on line at www.seasonofchampions.ca. Tickets are available through the Moncton Coliseum box office at 857-4100, 888-720-5600 or online at www.tickets.moncton.ca.

For More information call:

Lynn MacKenzie
Event Coordinator
Ph: 506-854-2009
E-mail: lmackenzie@curling.ca