St Vincent’s alumni to gift school state-of-the-art sports facility

PUNE: To mark St Vincent’s 150th year, the school’s alumni have come together to gift their alma mater state-of-the-art, integrated multi-sports infrastructure. The project, called ‘St Vincent’s Sports Vision’, also includes a sports facility.
The initiative will be professionally managed by a committee and executed in three phases. Upon completion, the school will have a world-class sports facility and coaching centre, with professional coaching staff, said the alumni spearheading the project.
“Our vision is to see Vincentians representing India in world sports,” said restaurateur Praful Chandawarkar, an alumnus.“Titled SVSV, or the St Vincent’s Sports Vision, it will fund the infrastructure and a part of the operational expenses. It will comprise a 400m synthetic track, pole vault, high jump, hurdles, shot-put, long jump and triple jump facilities and multi-sport synthetic courts for volleyball, tennis and softball. Moreover, supporting facilities like viewing and shooting galleries, LED scoreboards and retractable stands will support the centre,” he said.
Chandawarkar said the project requires a gigantic outlay and managerial capabilities. “Collections are pouring in from alumni around the world, and a highly qualified team is shortlisting consultants, evaluating specifications and assessing vendor capabilities. a phased roll-out is expected soon. The team feels that the project will set an example for what the spirit of an alma mater can achieve and hope to encourage other schools to take up this approach to improve the country’s sports culture,” he said.