The 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness will be the site for a pair of exciting community events in the coming days, thanks to the strong relationship between the University of Lethbridge and 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union.
On Saturday evening, 1st Choice Savings is sponsoring the final Canada West regular season home games for the Pronghorns men’s and women’s basketball teams (games at 5 and 7 p.m. against the University of Saskatchewan) by presenting a Free Student Night. With the Horns men’s team seeking a playoff berth, the evening promises to be wildly entertaining.
During a break in the action, 1st Choice Savings will be making a significant donation to support the facility that bears its name – the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
“Over the years, this outstanding facility has become a hub for community activity by hosting major sporting events, serving as the home court for Pronghorn Athletics and acting as an important venue for a variety of initiatives, such as being a site for community flu clinics,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge. “And, of course, we can’t forget about our annual Play Day.”
Now in its fourth year, Play Day has seen southern Alberta families flock to the 1st Choice Savings Centre for the annual festivities. This year’s superhero-themed event will take place on Monday, February 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“These next few weeks are very special to us at 1st Choice Savings as we get to experience the great relationship we have with the University of Lethbridge,” says Brian Kinahan (BMgt ’79), president & CEO of 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union and a U of L alumnus. “Through our support of this building and the annual Play Day event, to sponsoring this weekend’s basketball games, we are so grateful to have a part in opening this wonderful facility to southern Albertans. We invite everyone to come out, enjoy some excellent basketball and have a fun day of play with us. We sincerely thank the University for these opportunities to celebrate our vibrant and exciting community.”
The activity list for Play Day 2015 will include classic favourites such as the cardboard box free build, the basketball, floor hockey and bouncy castle activity zones as well as the ever-popular face-painting area. Those looking to scale new heights can take advantage of the climbing wall, while open swim is once again available in the Max Bell pool.
The superhero theme will be reflected in a number of zones, including a Spiderman Web Maze and Green Arrow Archery and Wonder Woman Golden Lasso games. The ASPIRE Zone will feature the ins and outs of fingerprinting, the chance to construct super zoomer airplanes and a coding challenge whereby participants learn how to code their own superhero character or game on laptops and iPADs.
“Every year our organizers and volunteers come up with some really engaging and fun family activities,” says Mahon. “I really look forward to hosting Play Day every year. As a university, we are always striving to better our community, and through our partnership with 1st Choice Savings, we are able to provide this opportunity for families to spend some quality time together and really strengthen those family bonds.”
Admission and parking for Play Day are free and people are encouraged to bring gym shoes, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit to maximize their opportunity for fun. A Toonie BBQ will also be set up on the north end of the upper track.