Press release from Lutheran Health Network:
Lutheran Health Network and Canlan Ice Sports Enter Into 10-year Community Partnership to Increase Physical Activity
(November 1, 2010) – Representatives of Lutheran Health Network and Canlan Ice Sports have entered into a 10-year community partnership to encourage adults and children to transition from being solely spectators to being part of the action. The announcement was made Saturday during the inaugural Family Activity Festival held at the six-month-old facility on Fort Wayne’s northwest side.
Through its We Commit initiative, Lutheran Health Network strives to make a positive influence that extends beyond the walls of its facilities. We Commit is demonstrated every day through active participation in the wellness, growth and vibrancy of the community. LHN officials call the opportunity to partner with Canlan an exciting step in the ongoing pursuit of those goals.
“A big reason why we decided to offer our support to this facility was the knowledge that it was going to be much more than an entertainment venue,” said Joe Dorko, chief executive officer, Lutheran Health Network. “Our expectation is for this facility to become a destination that encourages all of us to adopt healthier lifestyles. Consistent physical activity is crucial to that formula.”
As part of the collaboration, an athletic trainer from The Orthopaedic Hospital of Lutheran Health Network’s sports medicine program will be available onsite for individuals and teams up to 50 times per year. Although the trainer will be used primarily by area hockey teams who practice and play regularly on the three full-sized rinks, sports medicine services will also be available during tournaments and at specific times for the general public.
Other components of the partnership will include LHN-sponsored events such as the Family Activity Festival and the network’s participation in the development of new programs and services.
Those visiting the complex or driving by it will also notice a new name. Lutheran Health SportsCenter has been chosen to acknowledge LHN’s involvement and its support of a community resource that is already making a positive contribution to the health and wellness of area residents.
“Having such a well-respected organization not only lend its name, but more importantly its expertise in the field of sports medicine, is a great asset to the people who use this facility now and those who will use it in the future,” said Martin Holleley, general manager, Canlan Ice Sports – Fort Wayne. “This relationship presents both Lutheran Health Network and Canlan a great opportunity to promote year-round physical activity to a larger number of individuals across the region.”
The newly christened Lutheran Health SportsCenter offers three NHL-sized rinks, including one that transitions from ice to artificial turf for sports such as soccer during warm weather months. There are also 14 dressing rooms, a sports store, the Bounce Mania play zone, three party rooms, a banquet area and a fully licensed restaurant called the Thirsty Penguin Grillhouse.
Since its official opening in April, the facility has seen increased utilization and nearly 500,000 visitors are expected per year. Activities such as hockey, curling, figure skating and recreational skating support the fact that most individuals who use the complex do so as participants. Lutheran Health SportsCenter is also the official practice facility of the Fort Wayne Komets. Open ice time for the general public is offered weekly.
Related Images:
