Paralympic gold medallist Priya Cooper joined staff, students and local sporting groups today to officially open Curtin University of Technology’s new $27 million sporting complex, the Curtin Stadium.
A former Curtin student and 1999 Young Australian of the Year, Ms Cooper was also given the honour of being the first person named on the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Elite Athlete List.
“I have great memories of training at Curtin and its Elite Athlete Program helped paved the way for my sports career,” she said.
“I’m also honoured to be named on the Vice-Chancellor’s Elite Athlete List.”
The Curtin Stadium has a high-tech gymnasium, women’s gymnasium, group fitness area, outdoor beach volleyball court and a main hall which is large enough to cater for a range of sporting activities.
The main hall will also be used for University functions including graduation ceremonies, exams, major public addresses, student orientations and Curtin Open Day activities.
The hall which can seat up to 2500 people is also available for hire by the broader community.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, said the new multi-purpose complex is already proving to be a wonderful community asset.
“Curtin, with its strong focus on health science, is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle for its students and staff,” she said.
“We want to encourage as many individuals and local sporting groups as possible to use the outstanding facilities offered at the Curtin Stadium.”
Professor Hacket said the gymnasium had already attracted a strong membership and the Australian National School Age Wrestling Championships had been held recently. The main hall will also host the upcoming Curtin Fashion Show and Astrofest.
Curtin has a strong history of sporting excellence with Australian cricketer Mike Hussey and West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold, among the sports stars who have graduated from the University.
Current elite athlete students include Harry Taylor, Geelong Premiership player and Eddie Ockendon and David Guest from the Hockeyroos who won bronze medals at the 2008 Olympics.
Curtin’s reputation for excellence in sport continues with six athletes representing Australia in the World University Games held in Belgrade July this year and more recently its team of 150 competitors winning five medals at the Australian University Games in Queensland.
Curtin has been an Elite Athlete Friendly University since 2004. The program helps students balance their sports and study commitments.
