A 124,000-square-foot Sport for Life Centre in Winnipeg is set to enter the second phase of construction in spring 2015. The first phase of construction opened in April 2010. The one-of-a-kind facility, which will feature space for sport training and programs, recreational pursuits and youth leadership development, will be used as a venue for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.
“We want to ensure sports and physical activities are a life-long part of people’s routines,” says Ron Lemieux, Manitoba’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection. “This facility will be a lasting legacy from the 2017 Canada Summer Games for Manitoba, and will support inner-city youth, families, community groups, sport associations and athletes of all abilities for many years to come. Our world-class sports facilities will be showcased during our Year of Sport, showing visitors how Manitoba is truly where ‘Canada’s Heart Beats’.”
The first phase of the project houses Sport Manitoba, a planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. The facility also features a full-service sports medicine clinic and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and serves as a headquarters for 60 provincial sporting organizations. Once complete, phase two will be comprised of a training track for sport and community use, strength and conditioning areas, an aerobic training centre, a plyometric testing area and a multi-purpose area with three fully convertible court spaces.
Financing for phase two will be provided by:
- The Province of Manitoba ($16-million);
- The City of Winnipeg ($1-million); and
- Private sector donations ($8-million).
The 2017 Canada Summer Games will be held in Manitoba from July 28 through Aug. 13, 2017.
