OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 29, 2014) - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will attend the inaugural Canal Classic, in support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 7:40 a.m., on Ottawa's Rideau Canal (at the National Arts Centre entrance).

On this occasion, His Excellency will give brief remarks and participate in the ceremonial puck drop at the beginning of this friendly hockey game between parliamentarians, NHL and Olympic alumni, members of the media, and representatives from Jumpstart, Canadian Tire and Sport Chek. All proceeds raised through this event will be donated to Jumpstart Charities.

"In my opinion, there is no better way to have a giving moment than through Canada's beloved winter sport," said the Governor General. "I applaud this initiative and its participants for wanting to promote a healthy lifestyle among our country's children who may not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy these types of sporting activities."

About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities:

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national program dedicated to helping children from financially disadvantaged families participate in organized sports and recreational activities by covering the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation. Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Jumpstart believe that every child deserves the chance to develop the confidence, social skills and discipline that come with organized play.

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