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Media Release

January 18, 2006, TELUS and B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association

TELUS and B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association sign $260,000, four-year partnership

TELUS will support the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association with a four-year, $260,000 title sponsorship of its annual AAA provincial tournament, starting with this year’s TELUS BC Boys’ AAA Basketball Championships, March 7 to 11, 2006 at the PNE Agrodome. The sponsorship also includes the creation of $7,500 in annual scholarships the association will distribute to B.C. basketball athletes each year.

"TELUS is thrilled to support this tournament, and we wish the athletes competing from across B.C. the best of luck," said Steve Podborski, TELUS assistant vice-president of sport marketing. "Supporting this outstanding annual tournament and boosting emerging basketball players towards their goals with scholarships will help TELUS realize its commitment to supporting the long-term development of Canada’s athletes, from playground to podium."

Chris Kennedy, president of the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association, said the title sponsorship takes an already-established tournament to the next level.

"We are exceptionally proud of our strong history and the hundreds of volunteer coaches and thousands of players that participate as part of the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association each year," he said. "Our AAA tournament is a wonderful celebration of high school basketball in our province, and attracted more than 15,000 spectators last year. With a 61-year record of success, the BC High School Boys’ Basketball Championship has long been regarded as one of the finest amateur sporting events in Canada, and our partnership with Metro Vancouver Basketball will only enhance the event."

This sponsorship package was secured through the efforts of The Metro Vancouver Basketball Foundation’s Howard Kelsey and Ron Putzi, in partnership with the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association.

The tournament was founded in 1945. Since then, many of Canada’s greatest up-and-coming basketball players participated in the tournament and went on to play for Canada’s national team, in the Olympics or in the NBA. For example:

• Steve Nash — 2005 NBA MVP (Phoenix Suns) and 2000 Olympic team
• Eric Hinrichsen — 2000 Olympic team
• Andrew Mavis — 2000 Olympic team
• Greg Wiltjer — 1984 Olympic team
• Gerald Kazanowski — 1980 and 1984 Olympic team
• Howard Kelsey — 1980 and 1984 Olympic team
• Lars Hansen — 1979 NBA champions Seattle Supersonics and 1976 Olympic team
• Bill Robinson — 1976 Olympic team

TELUS is a proud supporter of our communities
Each year TELUS invests more than $10 million in educational, health, arts and charitable organizations across Canada. Consistent with TELUS' commitment to becoming Canada's premier corporate citizen, over the last five years, TELUS and its team members have contributed more than $64 million to a wide range of charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada. By focusing on the areas of health and wellness, education and sport, and arts and culture, TELUS is committed to investing in opportunities that include the innovative use of technology and make the future friendly for Canada’s youth. To find out how TELUS is working hard in your community, visit us online at www.telus.com/community.

About the B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Association
In 1945, Ken "Hooker" Wright (Duke of Connaught) had a vision to create a provincial championship. With support from Van Copeland and Rudy Wiley of Trapp Tech, Ken organized a four-team, two-day competition at New Westminster’s YMCA. In 1946, the trial tournament was enlarged to include eight of the best high school teams in British Columbia — thus, the B.C. High School Boys’ Tournament was born.

In 1948, the tournament was increased to 16 teams and hosted by Duke of Connaught and Trapp Tech. In 1950, the British Columbia High School Boys’ Basketball Association was formed, and the event took place at the new Massey Junior High School in New Westminster. From 1951 to 1970, all provincial championship games were played at the University of British Columbia’s War Memorial Gymnasium. From 1970 to 2006, all games have taken place at the PNE’s Pacific Coliseum or Agrodome.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shawn Hall, TELUS
Phone: 604-697-8176 / E-mail: shawn.hall@telus.com

Chris Kennedy, B.C. High School Boys' Basketball Association
Phone: 604-941-6053 / E-mail: ckennedy@sd43.bc.ca

Howard Kelsey, founder and chair, Metro Vancouver Basketball Foundation
Phone: 604-264-7247 / E-maiL: hifive@ca.inter.net

Ron Putzi, executive vice president, Metro Vancouver Basketball Foundation
Phone: 604-737-3539 / E-mail: ron_putzi@scotiamcleod.com

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