PacificSport Vancouver Island takes over running of Cowichan Sportsplex
(November 19, 2018, Nanaimo) – PacificSport Vancouver Island (VI) and the Chesterfield Sports Society are pleased to announce a new partnership has been formed between the two non-profit sporting organizations to operate the Cowichan Sportsplex.
Boasting a multitude of high quality facilities for competitive and recreational athletics, the Cowichan Sportsplex is the pride and joy of the Chesterfield Sports Society, a non-profit organization serving the needs of Cowichan, Duncan, and the Vancouver Island community at large. This fitting partnership will allow PacificSport VI to connect with the Cowichan Valley community and to build on the many successes of the Cowichan Sportsplex, while increasing the offering of programs and services to the region.
“This is such an exciting development for PacificSport,” Drew Cooper, PacificSport VI General Manager, explained. “We have a lot in common with the Sportsplex as both of our organizations are the product of community leaders who wanted to advance the cause of sport and physical activity within their respective communities. We have both grown steadily in size and scope over the years, but we both have room to grow and develop to reach our full potential. I am excited that this partnership will allow us to grow in tandem and create significant synergies which we hope will make Cowichan one of the healthiest communities in British Columbia.”
PacificSport VI will take on the day-to-day operations of the Sportsplex facilities, and will be a champion of community health and pride, drawing athletes, community members, and visitors alike to the Cowichan Valley. Most recently the Cowichan Sportsplex played host to the 2018 BC Summer Games, and under the direction of PacificSport VI will aim to transform the region into a high performance sporting destination, while also maintaining the inclusive community atmosphere that locals have come to cherish.
“Our partnership is expected to result in certain new unique sports programs which will be offered through the Sportsplex,” explained Don McClintock, Chesterfield Sports Society President. “These will be in addition to the programs which have regularly been provided by our seven founding sports groups. We look forward to an expanded network of programming being offered to the citizens of our beautiful Cowichan Valley.”
Not only does the Sportsplex house high-end facilities tailored to athletic competitions, such as theRotary Track (Athletics), John Ferreira Field (Field Hockey), and Wayerhaeuser Thunder Box (Lacrosse), it is also home to many family oriented amenities including the Bev Lashman Playground, the Legacy Fitness Circuit, and the Rotary Nature Walk. Continuing to promote the balance and relationship between high performance and recreation will be a main focus of the partnership, and PacificSport VI is keen to continue to grow their presence in both faculties within the region.
“When we first conceived this regional centre concept in 1995, I don’t think anyone imagined that we would have garnered such a strong presence beyond the Nanaimo area,” Cooper continued. “This has been the culmination of many years working with PLAY Cowichan and the region at large to develop this community into a cutting edge leader in programming and services. I believe that with this new partnership we can simultaneously grow the Cowichan Sportsplex into both a community destination and a world class venue in the years ahead.”
PacificSport VI and the Cowichan Sportsplex are excited to begin to develop their joint programming and look forward to ensuring that members of the surrounding communities will receive quality options, facilities, and programs to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
About PacificSport
Established in 1995, PacificSport Vancouver Island is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing sport participation for all ages and abilities through the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) program. From grassroots, community sport day camps to high performance athlete development, PacificSport Vancouver Island inspires and engages our community to excel and be active for life.
About Cowichan Sportsplex
Boasting a multitude of high quality facilities for competitive and recreational athletics, the Cowichan Sportsplex is the pride and joy of the Chesterfield Sports Society, a non-profit organization serving the needs of Cowichan, Duncan, and the Vancouver Island community at large. With programming simultaneously supporting high-performance competition and an inclusive community atmosphere, the Cowichan Sportsplex and its programming partner, PacificSport Vancouver Island, aim to actively inspire healthy communities, and encourage citizens young and old to be active for life.