Veteran Canadian Sports Broadcaster Dan Shulman Joins TSN

- Shulman will work exclusively in Canada for TSN in addition to his on-air duties at ESPN -

TORONTO, February 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - One of North America's most prolific sports broadcasters returns to TSN as the network today announced that ESPN's Dan Shulman has joined Canada's Sports Leader as a regular contributor.

Shulman will work exclusively in Canada for TSN, providing analysis and reports across all platforms for the network's key properties, including SPORTSCENTRE.

Shulman will continue working for ESPN as the play-by-play voice of the U.S. network's marquee MLB game of the week, SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL, which airs in Canada on TSN2. Shulman, who also covers college basketball for ESPN, was honoured by Sports Illustrated magazine in December as the top national announcer in the U.S. for the first decade of this century.

"Dan's passion for sports is second to none and his integrity as a journalist makes him one of the most respected broadcasters in North America. He is an asset to the TSN broadcast team and strengthens our ability to deliver best-in-class multimedia sports coverage to fans in Canada. We are very pleased to welcome Dan back home to TSN," said Mark Milliere, Senior Vice-President, Production, TSN.

"It is absolutely a thrill to be returning to my television roots after all these years and working with the great team at TSN. With SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL already on TSN2, it's a natural fit for me and I look forward to interacting with Canadian sports fans once again as part of the TSN family," said Shulman.

A native of Toronto, Shulman began his career at TSN in 1995, providing play-by-play commentary for Toronto Blue Jays games. In addition to covering MLB and the World Series for TSN, Shulman also did play-by-play for NHL and NBA games on TSN, and covered the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games for CTV.

In 2001, Shulman joined ESPN as a MLB and college basketball commentator. He called Wednesday Night Baseball telecasts from 2002 to 2007, Monday Night Baseball from 2008 to 2010, and the MLB Playoffs on ESPN Radio since 2001. Shulman is currently the play-by-play voice for ESPN's flagship SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL telecasts alongside former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser and manager Bobby Valentine.

Shulman's college basketball responsibilities at ESPN include play-by-play commentary on the network's Saturday prime-time game of the week and other top games throughout the collegiate season. Shulman has also called NBA games for ESPN since 2007.

TSN is Canada's Sports Leader and Canada's most-watched specialty network. Delivering more sports coverage in High Definition than any other network in Canada, TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule features an exciting lineup of sports including NHL, IIHF, CFL, NFL, NBA, MLB, Season of Champions Curling, Golf's Majors, F1, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Grand Slam Tennis and Championship Boxing events. TSN properties include TSN2, TSN MOBILE and the industry leading sports website TSN.ca. Official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and London 2012 Games of the Olympiad, TSN is a division of CTVglobemedia.

Canadian Dogs Have Status As Family Members

TORONTO, February 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian families have gone to the dogs! According to a recent poll by Dog Chow®, 90 per cent of owners consider their four-legged companions to be members of the family. And membership has its privileges, since nearly 20 per cent celebrate their dog's birthday, and 40 percent go by "mom" or "dad" to their furry kin. With this new found family status, our dogs are included in more family outings and activities than ever before. Whether it's the daily routine or special activities like Family Day or March Break, it's clear Canadian families consider their canines to be a key member of the pack. As the family dog gains more prominence in our homes, it's even more important for training and care to be a family affair.

"Dogs can have many roles in the family and household, whether they're playmates, protectors, helpers or confidantes," says Jill Skorochod, 'Canada's Dog Trainer' and owner of Time & Patience Training. "However, we can't forget that he is also a dog and needs proper training and care in order for the family to happily live together. I have worked with thousands of dog owners, young and old, and found that success is achieved by involving every member of the family - from feeding to walking to grooming."

Not sure where to get started? Jill Skorochod and the experts at Dog Chow offer the following helpful tips:

Family Commands & Paws-sitive Reinforcement: When training your dog it's important that everyone in the household agrees to, understands and uses the same glossary of family commands to ensure positive behaviour is reinforced. This will reduce your dog's confusion and help him learn how to live with each member of the family. It's also important for all members of the family to reward good behaviour (listening, sitting, staying), and correct unwanted behaviour (chewing, barking, pulling on the leash). Use treats or kibble and lots of praise to communicate and encourage the dog to be a good family member.

Involve the Kids: Encourage kids to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, or brushing the dog where appropriate. To ensure feeding is consistent Jill recommends choosing food that offers a complete meal in every scoop, such as Dog Chow or Puppy Chow, so there is less measuring and confusion. And when it comes to kids "it's important to position them as leaders, not litter-mates or siblings, to ensure the family dog obeys and respects every member of the household."

Furry fitness: Exercise is good for the whole family - especially the four-legged members! When out and about, take turns holding your dog on the leash, and get him or her to "heel". Most children can safely control a dog on a leash by age 10 - but it does depend on the size of the child and the size of the dog. Younger or smaller children can also help hold the leash under supervision. Bring some treats or dry kibble to reward your dog when he responds positively to your training. Try exploring different areas of the city, parks or trails, and always be on the lookout for activities that can include the family dog. It's important that your dog is comfortable in public places and with other dogs - and this allows you to include your dog in more aspects of your life.

"Simple and easy routines give everyone a role in the training and care of the family dog, and result in a happy, healthy, well-mannered pup that's ready to participate in family activities." says Jill.

Yes, Canadians Love Their Furry Family Members

Find out more on how the family dog measures up across the country:
Family Goes to the Dogs: Atlantic Canadians lead the pack in considering their dog to be a family member (94%), followed by Ontarians (92%), Quebeckers (90%) British Columbians (91%), Albertans (86%), and those in the Prairie provinces (85%). A staggering 94 per cent of women consider their dogs to be a part of their family versus 87 per cent of men (just below the national average).

Playmate or Protector? No longer just man's best friend, almost of half of respondents described their dog as "playmate" (48%). Doggie playmates are number one in Quebec (55%) with Atlantic Canada (52%) and Ontario (47%) not far behind. Not surprisingly, more men then women consider their dog a playmate, coming in 10 per cent higher (53% versus 43%). "Protector" ranks second for Canadian dog owners at 20 per cent - this goes up for women (24%) but drops to only 16 per cent for men. Other descriptors include confidante (8%), companion (6%) and helper (4%).

Happy Birthday Rover: Of the 20 per cent of Canadians who celebrate their dog's birthday, more women than men (22% versus 17%) recognize, (and remember!), the date.

Doggy Moms and Dads: 40 per cent of dog owners consider themselves mom / dad to their dog. This drops slightly too only 30 percent for male respondents and increases to 46 per cent for women. Provincially, Atlantic Canada and Ontario are the highest to consider themselves pet parents, with 55 per cent and 43 per cent respectively.

Play With a Legend of Golf...in Scotland, the Home of Golf

One Golf Legend, One Round, One Trip of a Lifetime

EDINBURGH, Scotland, February 2, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ever dreamt of taking on a Ryder Cup legend? VisitScotland is offering golf fans the chance to play a round with Scotland's Sam Torrance at the new home of the Scottish Open.

The Ryder Cup legend was a member of the first European team to achieve success on American soil, in 1987. VisitScotland is now offering the chance for one lucky winner to take on the Scot in his own country.

The once-in-a-lifetime prize at picturesque Castle Stuart, near Inverness, is part of the national tourism organisation's global golf promotion, Drive it Home, which tees off today (February 2).

The promotion comes during the year of Active Scotland, a drive to grow tourism spend in every corner of the country in the run-up to staging two of the world's greatest sporting events in 2014 - the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.

Through the Drive it Home campaign, golf enthusiasts the world over will also have the opportunity to compete in the ProAM at Gleneagles, as well as the chance to win a luxury golfing break at courses throughout the country, from Auchrannie on the Isle of Arran and Gullane in East Lothian, to Royal Aberdeen, and the Roxburghe Championship course in the Borders.

Sam Torrance said:

"I've played golf all over the world, but nothing can match the experience of playing the game in Scotland - the undisputed Home of Golf. VisitScotland's Drive it Home campaign gives people everywhere the chance to enjoy some of this country's finest courses and, of course, pit their wits against yours truly - I can't imagine a much better prize than that!"

To find out more, visit http://www.driveithomescotland.com

Video:
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/visitscotland/47590/

The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids Tees off June 7

Tournament to support Research & Learning Tower at SickKids

TORONTO, Febuary 1, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - SickKids Foundation and The Mike Weir Foundation today announced The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, presented by Thomson Reuters, will be held in Toronto this spring with proceeds supporting the Research & Learning Tower Campaign at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

TSN and CTV sportscaster Rod Black and 11-year-old SickKids patient ambassador Tobin Haas were joined by Mike Weir via Skype to make the announcement at an event at the Hospital this morning.

The tournament will take place June 7, 2011, at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham and at the prestigious Goodwood golf course. To date, the annual Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids has raised more than $2.5 million for paediatric health care across Canada.

"I am thrilled to be coming to Toronto this spring and help raise additional funds for SickKids," says Mike Weir, professional golfer. "Hosting the past four tournaments across Canada has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to the prospect of getting closer to our $10-million goal to support children's health."

A special evening reception for VIP guests and sponsors will be held on June 6 to kick-off the tournament. Nigel Hollidge, Vice President, Business Development, Angus Glen Golf Club, shared his excitement about the tournament coming to Angus Glen and the Goodwood course at the announcement this morning.

"Hosting The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids is a great honour for Angus Glen Golf Club," said Hollidge. "Participants will get a unique opportunity to play on a beautifully maintained, challenging and exciting golf course, while having an impact on the health of future generations of aspiring golfers."

The Mike Weir Foundation works in support of Children's Miracle Network to benefit paediatric hospitals across Canada. The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids was most recently held in Winnipeg in June 2010 and raised $625,000 for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

"This event will have a tremendous impact on SickKids and we are so grateful for that," says John Francis, SickKids Foundation Board Chair-Elect. "The Mike Weir Foundation has created a unique fundraising initiative and SickKids is fortunate to be the beneficiary in 2011 with an important boost to the SickKids Research & Learning Tower campaign."

The SickKids Research & Learning Tower Campaign kicked off in May 2010 with a special groundbreaking ceremony. When complete, the Tower will be a 21-storey, 750,000-square-foot hub for paediatric health research and education in Toronto's Discovery District. The $400-million Tower will bring together 2,000 scientists and staff from SickKids Research Institute and is slated to be completed by 2013.

In addition to the tournament, SickKids is organizing a Kids Putt for SickKids event preceding the tournament on June 4 at Ontario Place. This is one way the community can help support the patients and families who rely on SickKids. Children have the opportunity to play mini golf, compete for prizes and fundraise for the chance to meet Mike Weir. Individuals are invited to register now at www.sickkidsfoundation.com/page/kidsputt.

About The Mike Weir Foundation

The Mike Weir Foundation is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children in Canada. Since its inception and through the support of our generous sponsors and donors we are proud to report that more than $5 million has been raised for children's wellness. Over the past five years, The Mike Weir Foundation has provided more than $3 million in support of children's health care and related causes as well as a wide variety of other children's issues. Hundreds of local and national children's charities have received support from The Mike Weir Foundation to assist their causes. Beyond direct monetary contributions, the Foundation also helps charities raise money through a Mike Weir memorabilia charitable giving program which helps charities obtain auction items for fundraising purposes.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, health care and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

About SickKids Foundation

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation is the fundraising organization for The Hospital for Sick Children - one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country. The Foundation's fundraising is driven by the belief that improving the health and well-being of children is one of the most powerful ways to improve society.

Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for The Hospital for Sick Children. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $52.5 million in children's health research, education and care. A direct result of community support, this is one of the largest investments in paediatric health care and one of the largest contributions to a hospital anywhere in Canada. In addition to its support of The Hospital for Sick Children, the Foundation has a mandate to support children's health on a national basis. Through its National Grants Program, SickKids Foundation has directed more than $75 million to paediatric researchers across Canada over the past 38 years.