UVic, community celebrate CARSA’s foundation for the future

The University of Victoria and members of the community will officially mark the start of construction of the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA), in a ceremony May 28 to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and momentum behind the building of this world-class venue.

When completed in spring 2015, the facility will be a dynamic new hub for active living. CARSA will strengthen UVic’s competitiveness in attracting outstanding students. It will deliver quality recreational and experiential learning opportunities on campus and for the broader community. And it reflects UVic’s commitment to athletic excellence, healthy living and values such as inclusion, accessibility and civic engagement. CanAssist, the unique organization at UVic dedicated to helping people with disabilities improve their overall quality of life and independence in daily living, will be a cornerstone for the complex.

“In just 50 years, UVic has established itself as an outstanding university which attracts talented students, faculty and staff from the region and beyond, and is recognized internationally for achievement in teaching, research and innovation, and community engagement,” says UVic President David Turpin. “CARSA is a 50th Anniversary legacy project that will build on UVic’s culture of excellence by increasing our competitiveness in attracting future athletic champions, supporting our researchers in studying topics such as healthy living and developing assistive technologies, and strengthening our capacity to deliver exceptional recreational and learning opportunities.”

The centre will include new offices, labs and a machine shop for CanAssist. These will help the organization fulfill its dream of becoming a leader in creating world-class innovative assistive technologies in support of people living with disabilities. UVic’s School for Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education will also benefit from a repurposing of vacated space in the McKinnon Building to bring the school's programs and faculty together under one roof. In addition, CARSA will help support experiential learning (for example, a recreation-studies student in future might work with a client on the climbing wall), making the new facility an extension of the UVic classroom.

“While the majority of funds required to build the new centre will come from university sources, philanthropic contributions from our friends and supporters will be essential to our success,” says UVic Vice-President External Relations Carmen Charette. “We invite our friends in the community to participate in this historic team effort.”

The ceremony takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., adjacent to the construction site near Gabriola Road and McKenzie Avenue, and will include notable speakers, CanAssist and recreational displays, and the unveiling of a plaque.

Backgrounder is attached

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