The roll-out of new sport facilities across Victoria continues with a $4.9 million redevelopedment of Cardinia Stadium, which now features four new multipurpose courts able to host a range of sports including basketball, indoor soccer, netball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton.
CARDINIA STADIUM LAUNCHES FOUR NEW SPORTS COURTS
Friday, 10 October 2008
Local residents joined members of Australia’s Beijing Paralympic medal winning basketball teams today at the launch of the newly redeveloped YMCA Cardinia LIFE Stadium in Pakenham, thanks to a Brumby Government grant. Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino officially opened the new $4.9 million facility redevelopment, including four new multipurpose courts and said it would provide more opportunities for the local community to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.
“Whether your passion is basketball, indoor soccer, netball, volleyball, table tennis or badminton, these new competition standard multipurpose courts are a great boost for the community and for everyone to enjoy.”
The stadium redevelopment includes upgrades to accommodate people of all abilities, four new multipurpose courts, a multipurpose program room, new change rooms and extra storage areas.
Mr Merlino said the Brumby Government provided $500,000 for the pavilion project as part of the Community Facility Funding Program.
“This funding represents the Brumby Government’s commitment to providing quality sport and recreation facilities across Victoria,” he said.
“Our local sports facilities are vital to the strength and wellbeing of communities and by improving the quality of those facilities we’re encouraging greater participation for all Victorians.”
The redevelopment complements the existing four courts and Cardinia LIFE Centre facilities that include a health club, group fitness rooms, creche facilities, modern change rooms and three heated pools.
Mr Merlino said the YMCA, which managed the Cardinia LIFE Centre was a great supporter of inclusive sports initiatives and last year played host to All Abilities Day supported by the Brumby Government’s $3 million Access All Abilities program.
“Cardinia LIFE is the perfect venue for All Abilities Days with groups like Basketball Victoria, Wheelchair Sports Victoria and Riding for the Disabled all using the facility to demonstrate that there are many great sporting opportunities available to the whole community,” he said.
“Providing more opportunities for people to stay healthy and active is what the Brumby Government’s $150 million Go for your life campaign is all about – getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community.”
To help celebrate the completion of the Stadium the YMCA will be offering a number of free activities to the public during the Centre’s Opening Celebrations (commences 12 October). For more information visit www.cardinialife.ymca.org.au
(c) Copyright Sponsorship News 2007
