Public Launch Held for Academy of Sport and Wellbeing

Invited guests recently gathered at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, who sponsored the event, to celebrate the Public Launch of our Academy of Sport and Wellbeing

Invited guests recently gathered at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, who sponsored the event, to celebrate the Public Launch of our Academy of Sport and Wellbeing

Brigadier Melville Jameson, President of Perth College UHI Development Trust welcomed guests to the event, while Margaret Munckton, Principal and Chief Executive of Perth College UHI, outlined the plans for the new Academy. She explained, “As a College and University, it’s essential that we have the best possible facilities for our students, in order to provide them with a first-class educational experience. This will be a tremendous asset to the Perth College UHI campus and also the City of Perth.”

The Academy is a key priority for the College, providing a multi-purpose sports hall, conditioning suite, fitness studio, brand new hair and beauty facilities and increased space for teaching and learning. The Academy will also house a brand new competition standard level 1 Climbing Chamber – the only one of its kind in the region, and suitable for training the trainers to supervise smaller climbing walls.

Perth College UHI has secured funding of £6 million to build the Academy, but the Development Trust Campaign Board has now been asked to raise the final £1.5 million to equip it. The Campaign Board have already successfully received funding of £300,000 towards this target but more is needed to achieve the goal and the Public Launch is the beginning of this process.

During the Public Launch, Howard Pearce, Chairman of Perth College UHI Development Trust Campaign Board, unveiled the Ball in the Wall Appeal which will be rolled out to the public over the next few months. He explained how the public might be able to help equip the Academy by buying a ‘ball in our wall’. Donors who donate over £250 will be recognised by having their name inscribed on a ‘ball’ in the main entrance to the building. The larger the donation the, grander the colour.

The Public Launch was another excellent example of partnership working, as Perth College UHI Hospitality students helped prepare and serve the refreshments to guests, under the supervision and support of Gleneagles Hotel staff.

*Image Copyright: Perthshire Advertiser