On Wednesday, 14 July, Ormiston College held the Official Opening of their latest facility, a spectacular, Athletics Precinct, built to incorporate international standards and accommodate many different sporting activities including track, jump and throw events in Athletics.
The Official Opening was attended by Councillor Karen Williams, Mayor of Redlands City, Andrew Laming, Federal Member for Bowman, John Miller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ormiston College, invited guests, parents, College staff and students.
College Captains, Sam Dench and Charlotte Lane, commenced the introduction of the event. Followed by Headmaster, Brett Webster, who made the opening speech and introduced Cr. Karen Williams to address the assembly. Later Cr. Williams joined College Captains, the Headmaster and Chairman of the Board to unveil the new Athletics Precinct plaque. Guests were entertained with a special choral and musical presentation by students from the music department.
The opening of the Athletics Precinct follows the establishment of other Ormiston College facilities in the schools 33 year history, including the Lingo Lin Performing Arts Theatre (1998), the Ormiston College Aquatic Centre (2000), the Somerset Sports Centre (2004), the Junior Arts Centre (2010) and more recently the award-winning Centre for Learning and Innovation (2018).
Whilst Sport is well covered, the College has the Marsson Aquatic Centre, the Somerset Sports Centre, the Bank of Queensland Oval and various Playing Fields: the addition of the new Athletic Precinct has provided a very special addition to the College sports program.
The precinct was designed by BSPN Architects and Jeremy Ferrier Landscape Architects. Managed by Rohrig Constructions, the vision for the Athletics Precinct was supported by the Chairman of the Ormiston College Board of Directors, John Miller, the Board of Directors, and Ormiston College staff.
Whilst the event was enjoyed by all in attendance, the most inspiring, uplifting and meaningful part of the entire afternoon was the rousing cheers that came from the spectators, as the various students, from Year Levels 3 to 12, took up their running positions on the track, each representing their House. It was, the most stimulating ‘First Race’ on the brand-new Ormiston College Athletics Precinct. A day to be remembered by all those who were present.
In his speech, Headmaster Brett Webster said, “The new Athletics precinct will not only support our dedicated and emerging athletes, it will support all students as they engage with the Physical Education Curriculum. It will bring with it, better opportunities for students to improve their fitness, speed, strength, agility and general sporting prowess. And importantly, this will be a space where we emphasise the Olympic ideals relating to the joy of effort, fair play, respect for others; the pursuit of excellence; and balance between body, will and mind”.
