Hockey Stars and Hollywood Celebrities Team Up to Support Right To Play
Star-studded charity hockey game set for September 5 at Air Canada Centre
TORONTO
August 20, 2008
Canadian NHL stars including Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks), Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators), Curtis Joseph (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matt Stajan (Toronto Maple Leafs), Robyn Regehr (Calgary Flames), Mike Cammalleri (Calgary Flames), Sean Avery (Dallas Stars) and Andrew Ference (Boston Bruins) along with Hollywood’s Tim Robbins, Alan Thicke, D.B. Sweeney, Cameron Bancroft and director Jason Reitman head a list of more than 30 celebrities who will skate in the inaugural Festival Cup charity hockey game at Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Friday, September 5, 2008. The opening face-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Festival Cup is presented by GMP Capital Trust, one of Canada’s leading independent investment dealers. All proceeds raised from the event will go to support the international humanitarian organization Right To Play.
“It’s a great inspiration to see so many high-profile stars from Hollywood and the hockey world come together for the inaugural Festival Cup, presented by GMP Capital Trust, in support of Right To Play,” said Johann Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play. “These actors and athletes understand that sport and play are critical tools to help children and communities in disadvantaged areas of the world build a healthier, more peaceful future.”
The Festival Cup is one of the festivities kicking off the first weekend of the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. As part of the event, two teams featuring a mix of NHL and Hollywood celebrities will face-off in a fun and entertaining game.
“I believe in the positive power of sport and play for children,” said Wayne Gretzky, Honourary Chair of Right To Play’s Canadian Advisory Board. “In addition to keeping kids out of trouble and engaging them in a constructive activity, sports teach children many lessons and values including teamwork and determination. The Festival Cup is a great opportunity to help support the important initiatives of Right To Play.”
Tickets for the Festival Cup are available through Ticketmaster and the Air Canada Centre box office beginning Friday, August 22. All individuals purchasing tickets before Sunday, August 24 will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a signed Jonas Brothers guitar, a pair of tickets to an upcoming Toronto concert and an opportunity to meet the band.
“We’re proud to continue our support of Right To Play and honoured to be a part of this truly unique event designed to promote the benefits of sport, health and fair play,” said Kevin Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of GMP Capital Trust. “Together with hockey and Hollywood’s stars, we look forward to helping raise significant funds and awareness for Right To Play through Toronto’s first annual Festival Cup.”
