Camosun College was presented with a $6.1 million cheque, the second award on an $18.5 million investment in the Pacific Sport Institute, by Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell, March 18.

“The Pacific Sport Institute will serve to bring together education, sport development and world class facilities into a single centre,” said Chong. “This Institute is a great example of providing people with the tools they need to reach their goals.”

 “The applied research that will be conducted here will add dramatically to the knowledge of sport and related disciplines throughout B.C.,” said Coell. “I must congratulate the project team, as it is no small feat that a project of this size and scope was completed on budget given the pace of construction in the Province over the past few years. I look forward to the Institute becoming the centre of excellence for Canadian sport and exercise expertise.”

The Province is providing up to $24.5 million to Camosun College for this unique project with $18.5 million contributed from the Ministry of Economic Development. The Pacific Sport Institute’s facilities will provide educational programming in exercise and wellness, sport management, athlete and exercise therapy, athlete and coach education and sport and fitness leadership within a single centre, making it “the first of its kind in Canada”, according to Jim Reed, Chair of the PSI Board. “The Institute will generate expert-driven programs and services that will serve not only this community but also attract attention to and investment in this region from far beyond our Provincial boundaries,” he concluded.

 In accepting the cheque, Camosun President Liz Ashton thanked the Province for their early support for the project. “The Pacific Sport Institute will be an important new contributor to the economic and social health of the region.”

 The first phase of the project, which will open in September 2008, consists of a double gymnasium, sport science and sport medicine facilities, a hydro regeneration centre, high performance strength training, fitness and wellness facilities, multi-purpose classrooms and labs, a resource centre and an all-weather lit playing field.  Phase two plans call for a third gymnasium, a four lane track around the field, a broadcast centre and further enhancements.

 Roger Skillings, the CEO of Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, one of the Institute partners, also commended the Province for their vision. “The Institute will allow high performance and aspiring athletes alike to train alongside each other, serving as inspiration and role models. What a gift for this region, now and for generations to come. Thank you!”

 In total, the Pacific Sport Institute will have an estimated economic impact of $24 million annually and the equivalent of 420 full-time jobs will be supported through institute-related spending once it is completely operational.

(',l-r) Roger Skillings, CEO of Canadian Sport Centre Pacific; Liz Ashton, President of Camosun College; Jim Reed, Chair of Pacific Sport Institute Board; Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell.