Brand new gym unveilled

More than 200 people came to support the grand opening of the new gym at Summerland Secondary School, raising over $5,000 on Wednesday evening.

The event featured senior mixed varsity matches of both volleyball and basketball playing on the new gym floor, half time entertainment, silent auction, 50/50 of over $890 and baked goods made by the foods students. All proceeds from the $20 tickets are going towards the sound system and installing outdoor basketball hoops at the school.

“Boy, do we have a bright future here with the new gym,” said Okanagan Skaha school trustee Dave Stathers who mc’d the evening.

Stathers, a retired Summerland Secondary teacher, pushed for the gym to get approved at the board table. He told the crowd that he watched as Penticton Secondary and Princess Margaret got new gyms while Summerland waited.

“So many people worked so hard to make this happen. Thank you.”

The school’s new mascot Reggie the Rocket was also introduced. With the help of teacher Jenny Mitchell, Reggie got everyone in the bleachers to do the wave and chant ‘Let’s go Rockets.’

Stathers told the crowd that the new gym features air conditioning, something the old gym doesn’t have. The new gym also features a new kind of shot clock that doubles as a video screen. There is also a curtain that can separate the gym in half.

The $10.5 million gym was built by Sawchuk Construction on time and on budget, said School District 67 in a release.

Trustees were there during school hours to cut the ribbon and share stories about how the new full court sized gym is over two decades in the making.

The new gym was funded with proceeds from the sale of McNicoll Park Middle School in December 2019 and also with funds from the community and businesses. Summerland Secondary was also able to retain its current gym which was built in 1951.

That means they are able to host tournaments, games and events in both gyms.

The fundraising doesn’t stop there. The school is hoping to put a new weight room in the upstairs of the new gym.

There is also a new wing being built upstairs to accommodate the Grade 7s who will be coming to the high school next year.