The administration agreed to divert a portion of proceeds from two capital campaigns to support the new complex, and benefactors like the Molson and Tomlinson families and Seagram Ltd. have made major gifts. Among the projects to be built next are dance and gymnastics studios, a golf range, a rock-climbing wall, and comfortable locker rooms and lounges. But all this will not be just for the 20-something elite athlete. Denis Kotsoros, BA'86, marketing and promotions manager for the department, says the sports complex is a resource for the entire community. The ivory tower has a door and one door leads to athletics.
Membership is open to everyone.
A tour during the summer shows a lot of community members taking advantage of the programs. The McGill Sports Day Camp, begun 15 years ago, guides 500 kids a week through activities ranging from horseback riding to fencing. Phil Quintal, BEd'80, who runs the camp with Marla Gold, BEd'79, and Perry Karnofsky, BEd'94, says it fills several important functions. The first is that the facilities are well used during quiet periods, the second is that the University provides a quality service to the community, and the third is that training and job opportunities are available for 100 students. In one of the new gyms, Martlets coach Lisen Moore supervises an intensive basketball skills program for girls aged 14 to 16.