Canada Games Centre draws rave reviews

By BILL POWER Staff Reporter

Move over Canada Games skating oval. There’s a new kid in town.

The Canada Games Centre — the $44-million star of the Feb. 11-27 athletic event — flexed its user-friendly muscles Saturday at an official opening that attracted boatloads of welcoming politicians, athletes, friends of fitness and supporters of the Games.

"I can just imagine hundreds of people cheering us on from up here," said Truro athlete Jared Goad.

» ALSO SEE: Oval hosts first skating competition

He was gazing down from the upper level running track upon clusters of young people doing their athletic thing on the bright, naturally lit floor of the field house that occupies a 52,000 square feet of the Thomas Raddall Drive complex that measures a whopping 176,000 square feet.

Goad will represent Nova Scotia in artistic gymnastics at the upcoming Games. He gave the centre two thumbs up for the way it includes so many different recreational resources that can be used by athletes after the Games end.

"I’ve been competing for five years and have never seen anything like it," he said.

Mayor Peter Kelly cut a ribbon to open the new venue, located across the street from Keshen Goodman Public Library in the Clayton Park area.

"The Canada Games Centre at the Mainland Common is the crown jewel of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games legacy," said Premier Darrell Dexter.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Ann Cosgrove, chairwoman of the centre’s board of directors, raved about the building and rushed inside with the crowd.

Jean-Paul Deveau, chairman of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games board of directors, said the centre will become the province’s premier sport and recreation facility after the games.

Runners and walkers of all ages were testing the 200-metre, six-lane running track in the field house, while basketball and volleyball action filled the lower-level playing area.

"I just had my 80th birthday yesterday and cannot think of better way to celebrate," said Mary-Ellen Warner as she completed another lap on the walking track with some friends.