Mount Allison Unveils Plan for New Athletics Field
$1.2M of $1.5M fund raising goal already committed
SACKVILLE, NB — Mountie Pride reached new heights with the Saturday, May 9 announcement of a revitalized athletics field for Mount Allison University. The artificial turf field project will begin this summer with plans to be ready for the 2015-16 athletics fall season.
The University also announced the fund raising success and progress of the project to date. $1.2-million of the $1.5-million campaign goal has already been raised.
“While the tangible benefits of a new field are easy to quantify, the intangible benefits to our students, our athletics programs, and our University are priceless,” says Mount Allison director of athletics and recreation Pierre Arsenault. “This renewal will have a positive influence on the reputation of Mount Allison athletics and recreation as a whole and continue to inspire Mountie Pride.”
The fund raising campaign is being led by Mount Allison alumni.
“The revitalized athletics field will be a gift from Mount Allison’s friends and alumni,” says campaign co-chair and Mount Allison graduate David Booth. “The field project is being funded entirely through donations, which is remarkable and humbling.”
University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Campbell offered his thanks to the campaign volunteers and supporters.
“The Athletics Field renovation is a formidable project, but Mount Allison has formidable alumni and friends who go above and beyond to ensure the success of their alma mater. I would like to thank them for their commitment and generosity to Mount Allison,” he says.
The field project is in line with the University’s strategic plan for athletics and recreation, fostering excellence in campus recreation, sports, and being a leader in wellness in active living. The renovations will see the field usage extend from approximately four months to near year-round access and will provide more consistent playing conditions throughout the season.
Mount Allison student athletes have enjoyed unprecedented success in a number of areas over the past few years including AUS championships in football in 2013 and 2014, an ACAA women’s rugby championship in 2014, as well as strong seasons in many other sports. On March 26, 2015, the Town of Sackville also declared the inaugural Mountie Day in recognition of this success and the role student athletes play in the wider community through their sport and volunteer efforts.
View speeches from the event at www.mtalive.ca