St. Francis Xavier University proudly announces the grand opening of Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living, a space that celebrates and supports healthy lifestyles for all residents in northeastern Nova Scotia.
"This is truly a fantastic day for our campus community and for families and residents living in surrounding communities," says Dr. Andy Hakin, President and Vice-Chancellor of StFX. "The Saputo Family's legacy of excellence in education, health, fitness, and wellness will be supported and recognized for generations to come on a regional, provincial and national level with this newly renovated healthy living space."
L-r, Elle, Gio, Lino and Amelia Saputo, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, Vice President Finance and Administration Monica Foster, Board of Governors Chair Dennis Floor, and Vice President Academic & Provost Dr. Amanda Cockshutt officially cut the ribbon to open the Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living.
With close to $40 million in renovations, of which $30 million was fundraised, the complex now houses an expanded fitness centre three times its original size, updates to both the main and auxiliary gymnasiums, renovated and expanded public locker rooms, additional multipurpose space, aquatic centre updates, an expanded sport medicine clinic, an addition of a sports performance training centre, renovations to the varsity locker rooms and extensive renovations to the sports stadium.
"When Lino and I learned of StFX's commitment to community and social responsibility we wanted to be a part of that movement," said Amelia Saputo. "Healthy living is very important to me and to know this facility will have a lasting impact on the community at large, is significant."
The Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living will be the first building on campus entirely named after a woman. Construction started in 2017 with the renovation of Coach K Court and moved quickly to the stadium in preparation of the 2018 National Special Olympics. Although, the COVID epidemic slowed construction for a time, all renovations are now complete.
The Saputo Family's relationship with StFX dates back several years. Lino and Amelia's son Gio Saputo graduated from the StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business in 2018. Lino Saputo received an honorary degree from StFX in 2018. The Saputo Family's gift to the centre totals $11 million.
