This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Ayrshire Centre for Sporting Excellence
23/09/2002
Kilmarnock College's Centre of Sporting Excellence was
opened today by Sport Minister Mike Watson.
The £1.1 million centre, in a previously disused factory
building, provides extra facilities allowing the College to
expand the curriculum and qualifications on offer, and
opportunities for local people to participate in evening
and weekend activities.
Mr Watson said:
"I am sure the whole community of Kilmarnock and East
Ayrshire will benefit from the participation and training
opportunities offered by this impressive new million-pound
facility.
"The Executive is committed to providing coaching
support and creating development pathways for our talented
youngsters.
"To achieve this, we need grassroots support and
enthusiastic, qualified coaches to work with our nation's
talent and ensure they develop to their full potential.
These new facilities will make a big contribution towards
meeting this aim."
The Minister continued:
"Sport can make significant impacts in terms of health,
community regeneration, social inclusion, education and
lifelong learning. It is essential to the vitality of all
our communities that we increase the levels of
participation by all age groups."
Earlier in the day Mr Watson visited the new hotel and
conference complex attached to Kilmarnock Football Club,
and he praised the vision of this development and the role
it will play in the sustainable future of the Club.
The new facilities Kilmarnock College now offer training
courses in Health & Fitness, First Aid, Yoga, Drama,
and Martial Arts/Self Defence.
In the future the College plans to add courses in Sports
Psychology, Sports Therapy/Sports Injury and Healthy
Lifestyles. As many classes as possible will be on offer to
the local community in conjunction with District
Councils.
Funding
Kilmarnock College £600,000
Alex Brewster & Sons Ltd £400,000
Enterprise Ayrshire £100,000
Total cost of the Centre £1,100,000