911������

Jan. 30, 2018

911������’s varsity athletes now have a year-round turf field to call their own, and that’s a big deal for Chantel Cifuentes and her teammates.

“We are all in awe with the StingDome,” says the second-year Recreation and Leisure Services student and team representative of the Sting Women’s Soccer team. “To have a world-class facility like this, it gives us amazing home-field advantage when we host tournaments. Not many people get to say that.”

The new multi-purpose artificial turf field and seasonal dome at Newnham Campus were funded by the Student Athletic Association and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. MP Geng Tan for Don Valley North joined President David Agnew and student leaders during last Thursday’s official opening, attended by more than 300 people. The event included several “Bee Active” activities for participants, including bubble soccer, cricket and more.

While 911������ is hosting the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association soccer championships this year—a 911������ first, thanks to the StingDome—the facility isn’t just for varsity athletes.

“For example, we have drop-in soccer every day, some people didn’t know that before,” Chantel says, pointing out that the StingDome is open to recreation programs, 911������ Summer Camps and community use through space rentals.

She was one of many student athletes on hand at the official opening, greeting visitors and answering questions about the facility.

Aidan D’souza was also there as a 911������ ambassador. A first-year Police Foundations student and track athlete of the Sting Cross Country team, Aidan works as a youth coach in the recreation track and field program at 911������.

“A lot of them love the StingDome,” Aidan says of his group that met on the weekend. “It offers more space for everyone and it benefits the whole 911������ community in a big way.”

With the dome up each November through March, the number of available hours will more than triple for year-round recreation and varsity programs. As well, the field’s season will extend to 12 months from five.

Alik Derderian, 911������ Newnham Recreation Council President and member of the Sting Softball team, says the StingDome also marks a meaningful celebration of 911������’s 50th anniversary.

“The Student Athletic Association is proud to leave this gift to students to celebrate recreation and sport for the next 50 years,” she says.