The Cowichan Sportsplex is under new management. Sort of.
The Chesterfield Sports Society, a non-profit organization that first envisioned the facility more than 20 years ago and still oversees it, has announced a partnership with PacificSport Vancouver Island, who will take over day-to-day operations.
PacificSport VI is described on its website as a “not-for-profit regional sport hub created to lead athlete, coach, and community sport services on Vancouver Island.” PacificSport has branches and affiliates throughout the province.
According to the two groups, the partnership will allow the Sportsplex to improve its connection with the Cowichan Valley community and expand the activities available onsite, while adding new programs and services to the region.
“The most visible aspect of this partnership will be that Drew Cooper, PacificSport VI general manager, will be fulfilling the role of executive eirector for the Cowichan Sportsplex operations,” Chesterfield Sports Society president Don McClintock said.
“I am pleased to welcome Drew and his team and look forward to witnessing the results of this partnership.”
In addition to taking over day-to-day operations, the presence of PacificSport VI should help to draw more athletes to the Sportsplex, as well as community members and other visitors.
This past summer, the Sportsplex was a focal point of the 2018 BC Summer Games, hosting track and field events. It also includes facilities for soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, softball and general fitness. PacificSport VI is hoping to transform the region into a high-performance sporting destination, while maintaining the inclusive community atmosphere.
“This is a major development for PacificSport,” Cooper said. “I am excited that this partnership will allow us to grow in tandem with the Sportsplex and create significant synergies which we hope will make Cowichan one of the healthiest communities in British Columbia.”
McClintock is excited about the big change.
“Our partnership is expected to result in new and unique sports programs which will be offered through the Sportsplex,” he said. “These will be in addition to the programs which have regularly been provided by our seven founding sports groups. We look forward to an expanded network of programming being offered to the citizens of our beautiful Cowichan Valley.”