LONDON, ONTARIO IS AWARDED THE 2006 MEN�S WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP

London, Ontario, Canada, December 17^th, 2002 � Delegates of the International Lacrosse Federation announced today that they have selected a host city for the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship.  After reviewing the applications of several cities, the committee chose London and TD Waterhouse Stadium to host this major sporting event.  The competition will be undertaken in July of 2006 with 18 national teams competing for supremacy in the sport of lacrosse. The Men�s World Lacrosse Championship is contested every four year and brings the best players from around the world together. 

This will be the first time since 1986 that Canada has hosted the World Championship of its national summertime sport and Canadian lacrosse enthusiasts look forward the summer of 2006.  Co-chair David Leich, who is also coach of the University of Western Ontario�s lacrosse team, states that, �All of Ontario is excited about finally having this event back in Canada.  The sport has grown so much in the province over the past few years and fans have been clamouring for an event of this stature. With all levels of lacrosse prospering in the community, it�s easy to see why this location was chosen.�   

This competition will not only feature a World Championship, but also a major international festival of lacrosse.  These ancillary events will include demonstrations, exhibitions, and additional international tournaments.  These ancillary tournaments will draw more than 100 teams, ranging from youth to adult levels, competing in various level of lacrosse.  Tournament Co-chair, Tim Hobbs, states confidently, � Lacrosse has grown dramatically nationally and internationally over the past few years.  This festival will allow teams from the four corners of the earth to come together to celebrate the game we all love.� 

A legacy of the championship is also an important feature of the tournament with the goal of creating lacrosse fields and tournament facilities.  According to Co-chair, Murray Wood, � The creation of this tournament facility will allow for lacrosse to expand in this region and provide a lasting benefit for the people of the City of London.  One of the keys to this event will be leaving a lasting reminder in the form of sports fields for the youth of the city� 

London has slowly emerged into a lacrosse city and this announcement confirms this status.  Youth Lacrosse Registration is the 3^rd highest in the province and The University of Western Ontario�s Men�s Team has won three national championships (most recently in 2001) since the start of the program in 1985.  

With only 3� years until the competition begins, the Local Host Organization looks forward to the task ahead in hosting the first Word Championship in London.

2006 WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Phone (519) 933-WLAX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
David Leich
2006 World Lacrosse Championship
(519) 933-9529
[email protected]
www.lacrosse2006.com

THE WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• The history of international lacrosse dates back to the 19th century when a Canadian team played the Iroquois. In fact, lacrosse was contested as a full medal sport at the 1904 and 1908 Olympics. In 1904, two Canadian teams challenged a local team from St. Louis, with the Shamrock Lacrosse Team of Winnipeg winning the gold medal.  The Canadian victory in 1904 was the first ever medal for the country in Olympic competition.  Lacrosse was also a demonstration sport at the Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1948.

• The World Lacrosse Championship is organized in accordance with the guidelines of the International Lacrosse Federation.  The mission of this organization is to promote and develop the game of lacrosse throughout the world, to establish rules and regulations for international competition, and conduct world championships.

• Competing Lacrosse Nations � Argentina, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iroquois, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Tonga, United States of America, and Wales. 

• The competition traditionally takes place over 9 days in July and is held every 4 years.

•  This is the premier event in the sport of lacrosse.

• Canada�s Championship - In 1978, a mixture of very experienced Box players and a scattering of experienced Field players represented Canada at the World Championships in England. After suffering a heavy defeat against the US (24-3) in the round robin portion of the tournament, the Canadian team defeated the US in overtime in the championship game to become the only country to defeat the US for the World Championship since its reinstatement in the 1960�s.

• World Lacrosse Championship Host Centres and Champions:

The 2002 Championships were held in Perth Australia with the USA defeating Canada in the finals with over 12,000 fans in attendance.