CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Mayor Clifford Lee and UPEI Athletic Director, Ron Annear, jointly announced today that the 2006 Atlantic University Sport Women’s Basketball Championship will be hosted in Charlottetown by the University of Prince Edward Island.

The Atlantic University Sport Women’s Basketball Championship is the showcase event for female basketball in Atlantic Canada. The event will be held at The Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at UPEI March 3rd-5th.

"Economic development through tourism is one of the greatest elements of sporting events”, said Mayor Lee. “It is very clear that hosting sporting events generates positive economic activity for our community. The economic impact achieved from previously hosted events further attests to value of the tremendous efforts of our City’s organizers and volunteers that help make sporting events a huge success.”

"UPEI Athletics is proud to once again partner with the City of Charlottetown to host a premier sporting event,” stated UPEI Athletic Director, Ron Annear. “Hosting the Championship will allow UPEI to build on its event hosting successes, while giving back to the community. “UPEI Athletics is thankful for the efforts of the organizing committee led by co-chairs Brent Byrnes and Brian Chambers”.

The Championship will feature six participating teams, with the top two moving on to the national CIS Championship. For additional information visit www.upei.ca.

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 is placing high priority on major events to stimulate tourism, economic and community growth.