Boxing clever- Fauldhouse opens its doors to new facilities

Sunday 4 November 2001

Commonwealth Games boxing hopefuls Colin McNeil and Kevin Anderson will be adding muscle to the grand opening of a new Community Sports and Recreation Centre in Fauldhouse when they go head to head in a sparring session as part of the ceremony. Following the appointment of new Polish coach, Adam Kuzior, Colin and Kevin will be busy training in preparation for selection to compete in the Games next year.

Built with the support of £145,234 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund, the project is the realisation of over three years hard work. A completely new single storey building has been built incorporating a fully fitted gym with modern changing facilities for local sports groups.

With no other similar facilities nearby, it is hoped that the centre will be well used by the local community and schools providing opportunities to participate in sports including football, boxing and fitness classes.

The centre will be officially opened by Pat Brannan, Secretary and Chic Coll, Treasurer, of Fauldhouse Community Sport and Recreation, who have both been instrumental in the development of the project. Following the ceremony, the centre will be opened to the public who will be able to see Colin and Kevin training, a continuous football match from the recently established Fauldhouse soccer school as well as viewing the new facilities.

Peter Lynch, President of Fauldhouse Community Sports and Recreation Centre, said: “This marks the culmination of a vision to provide a basis for the development of existing and new talent in the sport and recreation field in the Fauldhouse area.”

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: “sportscotland is delighted that this project is completed. This facility will help to widen sporting opportunities for Fauldhouse by making activities more accessible.

“Our vision to encourage more people to take part in sport and get fit is realised by iniatives such as this one as it gives the local community the chance to use quality facilities to promote a healthier life style.”

Other contributors towards the project include:

• sportscotland
• Coalfields Regeneration Fund
• West Lothian Council
• Local donations