In 1992, the George Leach Centre opened at Algoma University, “it wasn’t really designed for varsity sports and athletes” Dr. Richard Myers, President of the University told a crowd Wednesday morning. The original building was 36,000 square feet, it included three full size courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, indoor soccer and badminton.
Today, local dignitaries such as Mayor Christian Provenzano, David Orazietti, MPP joined Dr. Myers,faculty, staff and students for the ribbon cutting of the newly expanded George Leach Centre.
What an expansion it is. A new 10,000 square feet addition with a second floor was officially opened to students and the general public.
The $4.9 million dollar project that started about a year ago was helped with $2 million from the Province through the NOHFC.
“Our government’s support for the revitalization of the Algoma University campus provides students and community members with access to a new state-of-the-art athletic facility,” said Orazietti. “The expansion and improvements to the George Leach Centre will allow the university to host larger sporting events which will help strengthen tourism and the local economy.”
This 10,000 square foot expansion at Algoma University includes additional cardio and weight room space, locker rooms, coaching staff offices and physiotherapy and training rooms. In addition, the George Leach expansion will create five local jobs.
“We are thrilled with the newly renovated George Leach Centre. The generous donation of $2 million by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation significantly aided the expansion and renovations of our fitness facility. The new athletics complex allows us to promote health and wellness on campus and in our community, but also allows us to grow our varsity teams and host larger sporting events within the Ontario University Athletics,” said Dr. Richard Myers, Algoma University President.
