It was the financial backers’ turn to bask in the excitement of the new velodrome yesterday afternoon.
On the heels of the first two test events for the world-class facility, the Town of Milton took time to host a private donor and sponsor recognition celebration to honour all those whose support was instrumental in bringing the Mattamy National Cycling Centre to fruition.
Among those was Howard Chang, who spearheaded the Make-It-Happen campaign that — through track plank and seat sponsorship, among other fundraising opportunities — has now surpassed its original goal of $14 million.
“I believe the campaign was successful because we captured the imagination of donors by focusing on a larger narrative that connected this elite sporting facility to building fame for the sport of cycling that would ultimately get more people riding bikes,” said Chang, the founder and president of Top Drawer Creative, a Toronto-based company that did all the design work for the fundraising campaign.
Donors and sponsors had an opportunity to ride the velodrome track along with three-time Olympic medalist and Canadian Pan American Team Chief de Mission Curt Harnett.
Especially eager to do so was Mattamy Homes Founder and CEO Peter Gilgan, an avid cyclist himself who was quick to mobilize the cycling community and encourage their involvement through events like the Tour de Bleu, the Paris to Ancaster Bike Race and the Ride Across America.
“We are so pleased to have been a part of this wonderful initiative and proud that the Mattamy name will be associated with cycling excellence for years to come,” said Gilgan.
Although the fundraising campaign will soon come to a close, the Town of Milton intends to keep the momentum going. A planned recommendation to Council will suggest that any funds raised in excess of the fundraising goal be dedicated to a velodrome reserve, to be used exclusively for programs and facility enhancements.
For more information on the Make-It-Happen fundraising campaign, visit make-it-happen.ca.
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