TORONTO – Registration is now open for the third annual Capital One Celebrity Bonspiel in support of SickKids Foundation, taking place June 1-2, 2012 at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club.

This unique curling tournament (“bonspiel”) offers participants the chance to play alongside Olympic and world champion competitors. Past stars have included Olympic champions Brad Gushue of St. John’s, Newfoundland and John Morris of Team Kevin Martin (Edmonton); world champion Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg; Olympian and European champion Eve Muirhead of Scotland and three-time global winner Glenn Howard of Midland, Ontario.

In just two years, the Capital One Celebrity Bonspiel has welcomed 54 superstar curling athletes from around the world, 200 recreational participants and numerous corporate partners. Meanwhile, nearly $145,000 has been raised for SickKids Foundation – the fundraising arm of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education.

“We are pleased to release the online registration engine for the 2012 Capital One Celebrity Bonspiel in support of SickKids Foundation,” said event organizing committee member Jeff Steski. “Whether you are a committed curler or someone who has never actually tried the sport, we invite you to sign up and enjoy all the fun this event has to offer.”

Given the growing popularity of the event and logistics for only 100 participants, the event is quickly expected to reach capacity.

“Due to limited space and the success of last year’s fundraisers we are asking this year’s participants to have a minimum goal of $500 in funds raised per household,” said Steski. “As in the past, the top 10 fundraisers are recognized and given first opportunity to choose their celebrity skip, and all who raise over $1,000 have the opportunity to choose from the remaining positions.”

Registrations are now being accepted online at the event website, celebritybonspiel.com. Additional pages are also available including news, a participant FAQ, photo gallery, donation hyperlink, list of previous celebrity curling athletes and more.

Follow the website in the coming weeks as members of the 2012 list of celebrity curling athletes are announced, in addition to other event news.

For media related requests, contact George Karrys at 416-605-2515.

For event information including sponsor sell sheet, please contact Jeff Steski at 416- 960-5781 (extension 2).