CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Mayor Clifford Lee and Wrestling PEI Executive Director, Glen Flood, jointly announced today that the 2007 Junior National Wrestling Championship will be hosted in Charlottetown March 16th and 17th.

The Junior National Championship will bring together some of the best athletes in the country, while showcasing the sport of wrestling. Over 15,000 Canadians are actively involved in the sport of wrestling as coaches, athletes and officials. This number does not include the many individuals who volunteer their time, or the many parents and spectators who partake in the sport.

“We are delighted to host this event,” said Mayor Clifford Lee. “It is a wonderful opportunity to extend our warm hospitality, promote the sport, and display the talent of some of the best junior wrestlers in the country, all the while further developing our shoulder tourism season.”

“Events of this magnitude do not just happen,” said Mayor Lee. On behalf of City Council, I commend and congratulate the Organizing Committee for the vision and commitment put into successfully securing this event for Charlottetown. Also, I personally say thank you to the many volunteers associated with the championship.”

“Wrestling PEI is excited to be working with the City of Charlottetown to host the 2007 Junior Nationals,” said Wrestling PEI Executive Director, Glen Flood. “The sport of wrestling has seen some real growth and development over the past couple of years. Wrestling PEI strongly feels that the awarding of this bid to Charlottetown is the reward of the hard work by a local dedicated volunteer group of the sport. Provincial sport organizations with smaller membership bases still have the opportunity to host large scale events by going after such competitions. This was an opportunity that we could not pass on when the chance arrived to bid on the competition,” noted Flood.

The National Junior Wrestling Championship will bring 300 participants to Charlottetown and will be held at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel. For additional information on the sport of wrestling or the event, visit www.wrestling.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.