Official Opening of the Shawnigan Sportsplex

Despite a torrential downpour, the ten-piece pipe and drum band leant a cheery, festive flair to the opening of the new Shawnigan Sportsplex. Immediately after the Founder’s Day Chapel service the pipers and drummers – stationed strategically at the top of the old Classroom Block stairs - began a rousing serenade to lure students, staff, alumni and friends up the hill to the new Sportsplex. Some 600 people walked through the wet to arrive at this marvelous new facility. They were piped into the giant new double gym for welcoming remarks by the Headmaster and the official ribbon cutting. It was noted that the previous night the school officially opened the new Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre to add to Shawnigan’s excellent Fine Arts capacity. Now with the new Sportsplex adding to the fitness component of Shawnigan life, the school is exceptionally well positioned to deliver the complete well-rounded education we are famous for. Mr. Robertson thanked the Board of Governors, parents and alumni whose generosity made the Sportsplex possible. The Sportsplex gives the school 4 new squash courts, the huge double-size gym, a cardio-fitness centre, two new tennis courts and an all-weather turf for field hockey – all in all a pretty fantastic package. With a ceremonial drum roll Board chair Mike Waites and Building Committee Chair Brian Johnson ’66 cut the black and gold ribbon to signify the Sportsplex officially open. The pipers and drummers concluded the ceremony with a poignant rendition of Amazing Grace before marching off into the rain…with just a bit of sun peaking out and the promise of great days to come thanks to the Sportsplex and all it will bring to Shawnigan’s sports program.

– Steve Housser, Executive Director of the Shawnigan Foundation