Sorenstam and Gulbis to headline fourth Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge

TORONTO, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - Golf superstars Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis will team up to host this year's Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge in support of women's charities across Canada. In its fourth year, the golf tournament takes place on Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 at the prestigious Magna Golf Club on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Aurora, Ontario.

Sorenstam is recognized as one of the finest female athletes of all time and was rated one of the best golfers on the LPGA Tour. Natalie Gulbis has been playing golf since the age of four and is an LPGA tournament winner and winner of the Evian Masters in 2007.

"We look forward to having Natalie Gulbis on board this year and are very pleased to welcome back Annika Sorenstam, who has been an integral part of the Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge since its first year," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As a long-time supporter of a number of women's charities and a recognized leader in the advancement of women, Scotiabank is proud to return as title sponsor of this highly successful event that promotes women professionally and personally."

The day will include a nine hole shotgun tournament for participants and clinic conducted by the golfing greats. The afternoon will feature a nine hole exhibition match by Sorenstam and Gulbis that will incorporate top ranked Canadian Junior girls.

Scotiabank and key presenting sponsors, Fidelity Investments, KPMG and Bell are hoping to build on the $700,000 raised for charities over the previous three tournaments. All proceeds benefit a host of women's charities across Canada. Recipients have included a variety of charities supporting women's shelters, employment services, treatment centres and cancer foundations nation-wide.

Scotiabank supports a number of women's charities, including Willow Breast Cancer Support & Resource Services, Sheena's Place, The World Conference on Breast Cancer and The London Health Sciences Foundation. As one of Canada's 50 Best Employers, Scotiabank is a recognized leader in the advancement of women.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.

For further information: Robyn Harper, Scotiabank Public Affairs, 416-933-1093, robyn_harper@scotiacapital.com