THORNBURY, May 12, 2009 – Today, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation officially launched the return of the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung to Southern Ontario this July 6-12. This year’s tournament will be featured LIVE on the Golf Channel, and will also directly benefit 19 local charities in a new charity ticket program.

The new ticket program will allow 19 local charities from the Collingwood/Barrie area to sell tickets on behalf of the tournament, and keep 50% of the sales for their individual causes. Tickets are now available through the full list of charities below, as well as on www.gretzky.com/golf.

“I’m very excited about this ticket program, it’s definitely a win-win situation” said Glen Gretzky, Executive Director of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. “For every ticket sold by these charities, they’ll receive 50% of its revenue toward their organization. It’s a great way to help the community while getting more people out to watch some of the world’s best golf talents compete.”

Also new to this year’s tournament are the first three confirmed celebrity golfers –five-time World and Olympic Champion Donovan Bailey; former NHL star Scott Thornton; and  current member of the Calgary Flames, Mike Cammalleri.

“I’m thrilled that Donovan, Scott and Mike are playing this year,” said Wayne Gretzky, Founder of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. “The celebs are fun to see and it’s also very exciting to watch some incredible golfers vie for their chance to play on the PGA tour”.

Sponsors continue to play a large role in the tournament’s success, with Ford of Canada returning as title sponsor, Samsung as the presenting sponsor and Scotiabank also on board once again. New sponsors this year include Crescent Point Energy Trust, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Nathan’s Hot Dogs. A full list of sponsors is available at www.gretzky.com/golf.

“We’re lucky to have the continued support of our sponsors,” said Wayne Gretzky. “Events like this would never happen without them, and we’re exceptionally grateful for their ongoing commitment to making this tournament something special for all Canadians.”

Returning July 6-12, 2009, the 2009 Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung will once again be played at the Georgian Bay Club and the Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay, nestled beautifully in the Thornbury / Collingwood area. As an official PGA Nationwide Tour event, celebrities and amateurs will be paired with 160 professionals in a Pro-Am format, shown LIVE on the Golf Channel. Players will once again compete for one of the largest purses on this year’s tour, $800,099. Tickets are available at www.gretzky.com/golf.

For more information, please contact:
Mark James
Cohn & Wolfe
647-259-3269
mark.james@cohnwolfe.ca

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About Wayne Gretzky Foundation
Founded in 2002, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation’s mission is to provide less fortunate youth with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey. This goal will be accomplished through the donation of hockey equipment and ice time, as well as providing the opportunity for young people to attend professional hockey games. The Wayne Gretzky Foundation believes that hockey instills many positive life skills and contributes to the physical, emotional and social growth of young people.