CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Mayor Clifford Lee, along with Economic Development, Tourism & Special Events Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Gillis and Championship Chair, Gary Petitpas announced today that the 2006 Eastern Canadian Men’s Master Soccer Championship will be hosted in Charlottetown from October 6th-9th.

The four-day event will be held at the new turf multi-purpose sport field located on the University of Prince Edward Island campus with teams from Ontario, Quebec, and the four Atlantic Provinces participating. The Championship will feature 120 of the best soccer players 35 and over from Eastern Canada.

Mayor Lee noted, “I am delighted that Charlottetown has been awarded the hosting-rights to the 2006 Eastern Canadian Men’s Master Soccer Championship. Charlottetown is a strong and successful event-hosting destination, with a community that takes great pride in providing a quality experience for competitors, fans and sponsors alike.”

“The Championship creates a great opportunity to jump-start to the tourism shoulder season,” said Councillor Gillis. “Events contribute significantly to the Charlottetown economy and increasingly, have become a showcase for the tourism industry.”

Championship Chair, Gary Petitpas expressed his excitement that Charlottetown has been awarded the 2006 Championship and that the host team Hunter’s Molson Masters will have the opportunity to defend their title on home turf.

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