Pictou Gets Investment in Sport, Recreation Infrastructure

Present and future soccer stars in Pictou County have scored with a new indoor soccer facility to train, play and be active thanks to a $600,000 investment by the province.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced today, April 30, that the money will be used to help build a new $1.8-million indoor soccer facility in Pictou. This new money is part of the province's commitment to invest $50 million in sport and recreation infrastructure over the next 10 years.

"We know that participating in sport provides many health benefits, but it is also a great way to teach life skills such as commitment, leadership, and self-confidence," said Mr. Barnet. "We are proud to invest in this facility and help make physical activity and the opportunity to learn life skills more accessible to Nova Scotians."

The facility will meet the community's need for a year-round soccer training facility. It will have an immediate impact on the about 4,000 people who participate in soccer in the Highland area. The facility will also support other physical activity, sport and recreation opportunities such as archery, golfing, track and field training, and softball.

"The new complex will help citizens of all ages, from school children to seniors, adopt a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical activities normally not available in the winter months," said Len MacDonald, president of the Highland Soccer Association. "The indoor playing field will fill a current need by providing a new home where players can train and compete At the same time it will provide community groups with a warm, safe, and welcoming environment to exercise and socialize."

The province's $50-million, 10-year sport and recreation infrastructure investment plan is in addition to the $3 million invested annually in recreation facility development grants.