The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation and guests celebrated the grand opening of a truly spectacular new space for The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement on Thursday, September 29.
The official opening of The Steadward Centre caps off a series of construction and renovation projects for the Faculty that started back in 2012. Utilizing the old Fitness Centre and squash court spaces, the Faculty was able to extend the Steadward Centre's space from 4,000 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft.
The new space includes: a fully accessible fitness centre; top of the line fitness equipment; multi-purpose fitness studio; children's activity space; kids gymnasium; Free2BeMe family viewing zone; accessible washroom and shower units; and ground level entry.
Founded in 1978, the Steadward Centre is an expert in Adapted Physical Activity and Para-Sport development, annually serving more than 1000 children and adults with disabilities. Additionally, over 250 students receive applied learning experiences within the Centre, combing theory with practice.
"We are very pleased to have TSC within the Faculty and have the ability to exposure our students, both undergraduate and graduate, to learn to work with those experiencing disability and take those skills out into the community. " says Kerry Mummery, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.
As an academic centre housed within the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, the Faculty is proud to be able to bridge the gap between research, academia and community engagement.
The Centre's strong research and education focus allows it to deliver innovative programs and to share proven expertise with community fitness and sport leaders across Alberta.
"Our brand new facility ensures that we can continue to support research, teaching and community service. We are fortunate to be a part of a faculty that values the importance of Centres and the richness they can bring to the University campus" says Karen Slater, Director of The Steadward Centre.
The Steadward Centre has a very strong tradition in our community, the Faculty and University. Many have contributed to this tradition, staff, students, sponsors, program participants, generous donors and supporters and friends of the Centre.
Coming together for an evening of celebration, Lloyd Bentz of the Albert Sport Connection spoke about how the Centre is a great resource for community members and the importance of the development of sport and participation for all.
Founder Robert Steadward had originally developed a research and training centre to provide athletes with physical disabilities and their coaches, with technical information in the areas of sport, fitness and training. Now the Centre actively supports inclusion and independence for children, youth and adults living with impairments. This is done through knowledge-sharing, research, education and collaboration with local, national and international organizations.
"We were unique because we were multi-disciplinary and our reach was global. Centres around the world have now been developed and modeled after what we've been able to achieve." says Robert Steadward, The Steadward Centre.
The Steadward Centre for Physical & Personal Achievement serves as a research, teaching and service delivery unit within The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta to facilitate engagement in physical activity, fitness and sport for individuals experiencing disability.
