By Alex Soloducha

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Carlton gym opens with a bang

Jan 30, 2014 | 4:41 PM

Carlton Comprehensive High School students were buzzing with excitement on Thursday over the much anticipated grand opening of their new gymnasium.

The CPAC (Carlton Physical Activity Complex), as it was referred to by principal Dawn Kilmer, has been in talks since fall 2007 and now the students are finally able to use it.

“I’m so excited for the kids because that’s what it’s all about,” said Kilmer.

All the hard work and planning has really paid off, she added. Besides that, $8 million from the Government of Saskatchewan went into funding for the new gym.

The CPAC provides seating for 1,200 people. There is an outdoor-accessible football change room, a team room, multiple washrooms, and two main change rooms with 400 lockers in each. There are also two new offices for gym teachers, which will have an ice machine and washer and dryer. Teachers also get change rooms just for them.

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During the grand opening students and faculty were cheering as they packed the stands.  Dignitaries like MLA Darryl Hickie and mayor Greg Dionne were also on-hand to deliver speeches and share in the excitement.

Carly Zultok is a Grade 11 student at Carlton. “I play basketball and volleyball so I’m really excited to be able to use the new gym for those sports,” she said. “It gets everyone excited for Carlton sports that there is this big new gym. And it gets new people wanting to come here.”

Rylan Michalchuk is a Physical Education teacher and said the school will make good use of the facility.

“For the Phys. Ed Department we average six classes a period and in the winter time we only have four facilities available, so it will allow us to plan our day much easier,” he said.

Nicole Matheis is on the Student Leadership Council (SLC) at the school. She admitted she wasn’t a big sports person, but said everyone will be able to benefit from the gym. She said there are now more possibilities for hosting SLC events, drama performances and art shows in the new facility.

“I definitely think the facility was much needed considering we have such a big population in the school that uses the gym, with not only sports but gym classes. So it’s definitely going to be good for more space,” said Matheis.

Mohamed Idris is on the basketball team. He also feels the gym will benefit many people in Prince Albert.

“It’s going to bring the whole city together as a community. We’re going to host club volleyball and other sports teams will come by,” said Idris, “It’s very good for the community. The school’s growing, it’s growing a lot. There’s a lot more people here than when I was in Grade 9. The gym classes, there’s like no room in the gym anymore, so we’re really going to look forward to using it.”

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On Twitter @alex_soloducha