New St Catharine sports facility for 2022 Canada Summer Games gets it name
Published July 19, 2021 at 5:55 pm
A new 210,000-square-foot sports facility being built in St Catharines for the 2022 Canada Summer Games just inside the entrance to Brock University finally got its name this morning (July 19).
In a joint announcement on site, St Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik and Geordie Walker, the fifth generation CEO and president of local industrial giant, Walker Industries, told the crowd the new multi-million dollar sport complex would be named the Walker Sports and Ability Centre.
“Sports and recreation really provide an opportunity to build values, characters (as well as) an opportunity for folks of all ages to build their physical and mental health,” said Walker, who brought a $3 million contribution to the construction.
“Certainly this past year (during the pandemic) has really provided evidence as to the importance role of physical activity to mental health,” he continued.
He pointed out he and siblings played a wide range of sports “growing up here in Niagara, thanks to previous investments in (sports) facilities.”
The Walker family also has a YMCA and a Cancer Centre named after them in St Catharines.
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Brock Interim President Lynn Wells said at the press conference, “As a founding partner of the Games, Brock University is honoured to welcome the Walker family as we work as a community to celebrate these once-in-a-generation opportunities. The Walker Sports and Abilities Centre is a most fitting addition to the campus gateway.”
Afterwards, Sendzik expressed his appreciation for the Walker family.
“The Walker Family and Walker Industries have been generous donors to many community projects helping us build a strong, resilient, vibrant communities,” said Sendzik on Facebook.
“This donation further demonstrates Walker’s commitment to community building and making an impact in Niagara.”
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