The batons that were passed, pedals pushed, shuttlecocks hit and balance beams dismounted are now just long-ago memories. But the legacy from the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games continues to reverberate through the 94 Forward fund, capitalized at more than $20 million.
Its latest project, announced this week, is a $2-million commitment over two years to establish a Cycling Canada national hub in Victoria. It is the single largest private funding contribution in the 139-year history of Cycling Canada, which was founded in 1882. It adds to 94 Forward’s existing support of the Athletics Canada Western Hub middle-distance track training centre at PISE and Victoria-based Triathlon Canada.
“It’s a natural fit,” said Jon Watkin, the veteran local cycling organizer who will oversee the launch of the program.
“Cycling is a big part of this region’s culture and infrastructure, and we’ve produced some of the best athletes in the world.”
That includes Olympic medallists from the Island in mountain biking and on the velodrome track and impacts on the road up to the Giro and Tour de France.
“We’ve always had a foundation of gracious champions,” said Watkin.
“That is an inspiration to the next generation. This program wants to create a framework that takes a holistic view of the sport, from the elite level down to the grassroots of getting kids on bikes and planting that seed.”
Cycling Canada views the region as an important hub in its national chain.
“Victoria has a rich cycling history and a tremendous abundance of road, trails, facilities and year-round training opportunities,” Cycling Canada CEO Matthew Jeffries said in a statement.
“More importantly, the region is home to one of our nation’s most engaged and thriving cycling communities and is uniquely positioned to play an important role as we work to develop and grow our national cycling community from coast to coast.”
Instead of a wide umbrella, 94 Forward has targeted a few sports, providing deep support to cycling, triathlon and middle-distance track. The fund is also reactive and can jump in on a spot basis, as it did for the Canadian women’s field hockey team during its qualifying quest for the Tokyo Olympics. The team eventually fell one game short in a shootout against Ireland.
“The disciplined stewardship of the ’94 Games legacy continues to give us opportunities to build world-class programs,” said John MacMillan, president of 94 Forward.
“This [cycling] project will be enhanced by the tremendous amount of municipal support shown for sport and physical activity in the region. Many good people and agencies have made Greater Victoria the summer sport training capital of Canada.”
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
