December 15/07 8:01 am - IMG Academies to Open on Vancouver Island

Posted by Editor on 12/15/07
 

IMG Academies to Open on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island will soon be home to a professional sports academy run by international multi-sport giant IMG Academies (IMGA). The new academy will be part of Sage Hills - a proposed sustainable, mixed-use community on a 2,083-acre parcel in the Comox Valley.

Ted Everett, Chairman of Sage Hills Developments, and Ted Meekma, IMGA Director, signed the partnership agreement at a press conference on Friday [December 14th] afternoon.

"We are excited to have IMG Academies on board and believe they are a perfect fit with the Sage Hills vision," said Everett. "IMGA's world-renowned programs are not only recognized for producing high-calibre professional athletes but, more importantly, outstanding students and leaders."

"The academy will help make Sage Hills and the Comox Valley an international destination, and contribute to sports and education opportunities for residents in the region," added Dave Russell, President of Sage Hills Developments.

Meekma said he was thrilled with the opportunity. "With Western Canada's natural beauty, recreation and quality of life, the Comox Valley is a prime location for the next IMG Academy," he said. "Our priority will be to offer extensive programs for serious athletes and committed sports enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels."

IMGA is partnering with Sage Hills to assist in the master planning for the academy, and to brand and manage it. The full-time, boarding sports academy is planned to include facilities for hockey, skating, golf, tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball and mountain sports. Two 18-hole championship golf courses (including one for training) will cover approximately 350 acres. The academy will also offer performance and coach training, as well as local family and community programs.

The Sage Hills community vision is built on integrating education, sports and lifestyle themes, providing its residents with opportunities for progressive, inspired living and learning. Complementing the sports academy will be a University Canada West campus, research park and private K-12 School, a variety of family, student and seniors housing options, and a hotel and corporate retreat centre. Master planning has now commenced and will incorporate economic, social and environmental sustainability principles. www.sagehills.ca

IMG Academies is the world's largest and most successful multi-sport training and education facility for junior, collegiate, adult/corporate and professional athletes. On 300 acres in Bradenton, Florida, the IMG Academies complex encompasses the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Swimming Academies, the Professional Fishing Academy, IMG Academies International Performance Institute, The Pendleton School, The Wellness Spa, IMG Academies Golf and Country Club and Crested Butte Mountain Sports. Alumni of IMG Academies include Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, Paula Creamer and Sean O'Hair. www.imgacademies.com.