Tuesday's University of Victoria Vikes Championship Breakfast raised $402,000 towards future scholarship programs, but also allowed school executives another chance to trumpet its proposed Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA).
With UVic recently receiving the necessary variance permits from Saanich council approving the construction phase, the $59.6-million project now moves to a finalizing of plans before going to tender.
Ground should break in January of 2013 with hopes of having the first phase of the plan completed by spring of 2015.
"The go-ahead on construction of this building will certainly allow us to attract high-achieving students, athletes and community members who value sport excellence, physical fitness, recreation and life skills gained through sports and active healthy living. I can assure you we are excited to be moving forward with this tremendous facility," Clint Hamilton, UVic director of athletics and recreation, told the breakfast gathering.
The 150,000-plus square foot facility will include a state of the art gymnasium, cardio and weight training space, rowing centre and six racquet courts. It doesn't stop there, however, as a sports medicine injury clinic, new team rooms for all varsity programs, a 60foot climbing tower, multipurpose activity studios, parkade, as well as a dynamic factory and medical lab for CanAssist - which develops technologies, programs and services for people with disabilities - are all part of the plan.
"CARSA will be an accessible and welcoming facility," UVic president and vice-chancellor David Turpin told the gathering.
"It will support not only our star athletes, but also our academic programs, and encourage active lifestyles and sports participation here at the [university] and in the broader community."
Turpin reminded the group of 600 breakfast goers of the 70 national titles and 101 Canada West championships won at the institution and of the 160 UVic athletes, coaches and alumni who have participated in Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"As a university we want to continue this tradition of excellence and we are grateful that we have such tremendous support and generosity in our community," he said. "Given the success of our athletics program the time has now come to invest in new athletics facilities."
Guest speaker Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada CEO and head national team coach, praised the school for moving forward, especially on its 50th anniversary.
"These banners represent dreams," Lafontaine said, pointing to championship flags dangling from the walls and rafters at McKinnon Gym. "This is not about celebrating 50 years, I think this is about creating the next 50 years ahead of us and making UVic a powerhouse in innovation and in performance around the world, not just around Canada.
"To me the future is in our hands and the exciting part is, you're a part of what Canada is about," he added. "You are UVic and you are Canada. You have to stop looking over your shoulder and say, 'Well, somebody else can change the world.' It's right here. You're the person who can make the difference."
He went on to thank UVic for the creation of its centre.
"I think it's brilliant," Lafontaine said. "This is another tool to bring greatness to this city and bring greatness to this university. When you create an environment with a world of possibility, people want to be a part of it. When you create a world of, 'No, no, it's not possible,' then there are always roadblocks."
Phase 2 of the project would include a 50-metre aquatic project, which also put a twinkle in Lafontaine's eye.
THIS AND THAT: More than 1,400 tickets were sold for the breakfast. A number of Olympians with Vikes ties were on hand including 2012 medal winners Gabe Bergen (silver in men's eight rowing) and Richard Weinberger (bronze in 10-km open water swim).
