C.N.S.S. Scholarships Awarded to Support Study of Outdoors

TORONTO – March 5, 2010 – The Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS), a non-profit organization and Canada’s largest producer of outdoor consumer shows, is continuing its commitment to supporting youth who demonstrate a passion for the outdoors. On March 17^th, the opening day of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, CNSS will allocate $63,000 in scholarships to post-secondary students whose academic studies focus on fish and wildlife, or, marine and biology programs. Scholarships will also be awarded to summer students working for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

The $63,000 will be awarded to 63 students from six Ontario universities and colleges — Fleming, Guelph, McMaster, Nipissing, Queen’s and Trent. Each school will receive $10,000 to award to 10 students of their choice attending applicable programs. The remaining $3,000 will be given to OFAH to allocate to three of their summer student employees.

“It’s such an honour and pleasure for us to play a role in helping these students achieve their life-long goals,” said Walter Oster, Chairman & CEO, CNSS. “We’re happy to continue our founder, Frank Kortright’s vision of protecting Canada’s outdoors via education and dedicated conservation.”

This donation is in line with the CNSS’s mandate to support outdoor education and instilling Canadian youth with an appreciation for nature and outdoor activity. Since the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows was established in 1948, more than $31 million has been donated to various scholarships, projects and campaigns.

“When we encourage students to learn about the environment around them, we’re nurturing the next generation of conservationists,” said Ontario Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. “The Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show scholarships recognize young people with an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a keen interest in learning about our natural resources.”

What:               2010 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Opening Ceremonies & Scholarship Awards

When:              Wednesday, March 17, 9:30 – 10 a.m.

Where:             Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Lobby

Who:                Walter Oster, Chairman & CEO, CNSS

Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources

Mike Reader, Executive Director, OFAH

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs March 17-21, 2010 at its new home the Metro Toronto Convention Centre following 62 years at the Canadian National Exhibition. For complete show information visit www.torontosportshow.ca.

About CNSS

As a non-profit corporation, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows is committed to conserving Canada’s outdoors and instilling Canadian youth with an appreciation for nature and outdoor activity. CNSS uses the proceeds from these shows to support and promote outdoor campaigns and programs in Canada. Since the first show in 1948, more than $31 million has been donated. Some of the programs that have been supported include the Ringwood Fish Culture Station, Association de Conservation de la Vallee du Gouffre, Camp Winston, Kid’s Fishing Days, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Ontario Snow Resorts Association, Friends of Toronto Parks & Trees, the Credit River Anglers’ Association, Parkview Hatchery, Project C.A.N.O.E., amongst others.