Tens of thousands enjoy new sports centre
Last modified: 14 Jun 2021 3:26pm
More than 36,000 people aged 1–93 years old enjoyed the new Selwyn Sports Centre over the first month since it opened.
Over the month 36,458 people enjoyed a wide range of sports, group fitness and general recreation. Selwyn Sports Centre Manager Dave Tippett said the response had been huge.
Around 5000 people attended the opening family fun day with events and activities in and around the Selwyn Sports Centre and Selwyn Aquatic Centre, helping to raise $4403 for the Halberg Foundation. The centre is open from 6am-10pm and has been busy all day, every day since, Mr Tippett said.
“We knew there was a need out there and it’s been brilliant to see the way that people have embraced the centre. We’ve got baby gym in here right up to our oldest group fitness class member at 93 and sports and activities for people all ages in between so it’s a fun space and people are loving using it.”
In the first month over 100 teams played in Selwyn Netball competitions and the Selwyn Hawks Basketball had more than 70 junior basketball teams playing at the centre.
Other sports including badminton and pickleball (a sport similar to tennis and badminton) filled the available court space with around 35-40 players a night. Futsal and table tennis are also popular activities at the Sports Centre. Over Queen's Birthday weekend the centre hosted the Canterbury Floorball Open with 16 teams from around the South Island.
More than 3500 people attended group fitness classes and over 350 new members signed on to group fitness classes.
Along with the formal classes, club bookings and competitions, there were 1522 casual entries.
“That’s all people in their own time just wanting to come in, paying the $3 entry fee to shoot some hoops, use the walking track, or play other sports like tennis, just making the most of the space.”
Social netball and volleyball leagues are starting, with other social and community events also being planned, and staff will continue to work with the community and trial ideas to make the centre available to all potential users.