Coach pg 9 11-1-12
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- Category: Past Issues
Coach Calhoun
sparks YMCA
donor event
Special to the Putnam Town Crier
PUTNAM — A spirit of enthusiasm was prevalent at the former Union Station recently as Greater Hartford YMCA officials gathered with more than 100 local individuals for an update report on the progress of the Regional Community YMCA. The program was sparked by spirited words of encouragement and support by former UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun.
The Regional Community YMCA is proposed for construction on Kennedy Drive in Putnam in the vicinity of Exit 95 on Route 395. The 50,000-square foot facility will feature an eight lane competitive pool, a zero-entry warm water pool, gymnasium, fitness area, and teen center along with other yet to be determined features. Estimated cost of the facility is projected to be $13 million.
The highlight of the evening was the appearance of coach Jim Calhoun and his wife, Pat, who are serving as the campaign’s honorary chairpersons.
Coach Calhoun, who continues to walk with the assistance of a cane as he continues his rehabilitation from a bicycling accident in which he fractured a bone in his leg, said his therapy continues on schedule.
“I’m travelling to the university for my rehab program. It would be nice if we had a YMCA and a pool locally where I could work out. That’s only one reason why we need to provide this type of facility for the people of the region,” said Calhoun.
Calhoun then said he was encouraged to see that the Community Campaign of $2.5 million was progressing, needing just slightly more than $300,000 to achieve its goal. He told the people on hand that he and his wife were personally increasing their gift to the campaign by $5,000.
“If 60 people would pledge $5,000, we’d have the funds necessary to conclude a successful community effort,” said Calhoun.
In his closing remarks, which appeared reminiscent of what might be envisioned as a halftime speech, Calhoun urged those in attendance to band behind the leadership of the campaign in stressing the value of a full service YMCA in northeastern Connecticut.
“I personally know the value of a Y in a community, as I spent many hours as a youngster growing up in Massachusetts at the Y. The Y has also had a positive effect on many of my players as youngsters growing up in inner cities,” said Calhoun.
Among those present were Donald Williams, state senator from the 29th Senatorial District, and State Representative Daniel S. Rovero from the 51st Assembly District.