THE CATOWA COMMUNICATOR

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Feb. 25, 2004

Bill Scanlan, president of the Canadian Amateur Tug-of-War Association announced earlier today that he was stepping down from the position effective immediately. In his letter of resignation, Scanlan cited personal reasons for his decision and a desire to dedicate more time to his family.

Scanlan first became involved with tug-of-war in 1982 as a member of the newly formed Peel Regional Police team. During his 21 years with that team, he worked hard to develop that organization into one of the most competitive and powerful tug-of-war teams in Canada. As coach of the Peel Police team, Scanlan was always keen to explore new challenges and in 1995, entered his team in the World Police and Fire-fighters Games in Melbourne, Australia where they won the gold medal in the Men's Heavy Weight Division. The Peel team has competed in subsequent Police & Firefighters Games tournaments in Calgary (Canada), Stockholm (Sweden) and Barcelona (Spain) finishing first on all occasions.

In his 2 years as C.E.O. of CATOWA, Mr. Scanlan will most be remembered for his on-going efforts and success in raising an awareness of the sport among Canadian sports groups such as the Canadian Olympic Committee resulting in that organization including CATOWA as a member in 2003.

Jim Connolly, Head Coach for CATOWA expressed his regrets when hearing the news about Scanlan's resignation. "During his period as our president, Bill has brought the sport to a new level in Canada," said Connolly. "His achievement of getting our sport recognized by the C.O.C. and successfully processing our application to become a class E member of that body is testament to his accomplishments." Connolly also complimented Bill on the way he chaired our board meetings describing his "no nonsense, get on with things and get them done" as a refreshing style of leadership.

First Vice-president Peter Duncan of the Toronto Highlanders Tug-of-War Club, echoed the commendations made by Connolly. "In my opinion, the best way to honour Bill's work is to double our efforts and get completed the tasks that we set out as a group to achieve," said Duncan who will be assuming the responsibility as president until the association's next meeting scheduled later this month.

CATOWA PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN