DURHAM COLLEGE SELECTED TO HOST TWO MAJOR PROVINCIAL EVENTS IN 2014

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College athletic department is preparing for a busy spring in 2014 as they have been selected to host two major Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) events at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Durham College was approved to host the 2014 OCAA women's volleyball championship from Feb. 20-22 as well as the volleyball and basketball all-star games on March 22. Durham's bid to host the events was approved at the OCAA annual general meeting in London.

This will be the 13th time Durham College has hosted the OCAA basketball all-star games, but it will mark the first time in league history that it will be combined with the volleyball all-star games.

"Everyone at Durham College is excited to host the OCAA's marquee event for basketball and volleyball," said Durham College athletic director Ken Babcock. "Having the basketball and volleyball all-star games share the same date and venue allows us to bring together two passionate sporting communities."

Durham last hosted the OCAA Volleyball championship in 2009, where only the top four teams in the province qualified. In 2014 that number will double, as the top eight teams will be on campus battling it out for the provincial crown.

The Durham women's volleyball team is coming off an East Region championship title this season and will be looking to make some noise as the host of the 2014 championship. Durham receives an automatic bid into the championship as thehost college.

"Durham Region is a hotbed for women's volleyball and we are excited to bring the OCAA provincial championship to our campus," said Babcock. "With a provincial title and trip to nationals on the line, teams will be leaving it all on the court making for some exciting action over the three day event."

Durham College is no stranger to hosting major events. This past season, the school hosted the 2012 PING CCAA Golf National Championship at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club where the Lords won an individual (Shea Varty) and team bronze medal.

"Hosting these events is a great opportunity to showcase our campus facilities, hospitality and the Oshawa community to the rest of the province," said Babcock. "We are looking forward to both events and welcoming athletes from all across Ontario."

For more information or sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship and OCAA Basketball/Volleyball All-Star games, please contact Scott Dennis at (905) 721-2000 Ext. 2784 or scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca.

Source: Durham College