New sports multiplex one month away

Heavyweight boxing champions Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes and Lennox Lewis were in Hamilton Friday to help launch the “Hamilton Sport and Fitness Multiplex”. It’s a new 30-thousand square foot facility focusing on child and family fitness. It’s been built right next to the former City Motor Hotel. And as Melissa Raftis tells us, the owners are hoping the gym can help change the Queenston traffic circle’s negative reputation by bringing something positive to the community.

To have boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes and Lennox Lewis make a free appearance in Hamilton was a treat local fans never expected.

“The east end of Hamilton, having these kind of champions come through? It’s awesome.”

But to have a new sports and fitness facility dedicated to families in the east end is something locals say the community needs.

“I think it will be fantastic for the kids especially in an area where a lot of people talk down about this area. But it’s doing some good.”

The boxing champs helped to launch the “Hamilton Sport and Fitness Multiplex” run in part by local martial artist Jim Flood: “To us its not only important that they’re developing the skills but also the character because to be a world class competetor you have to have the good character as well.”

Lewis told the crowd that growing up, going to the YMCA was very important to his development: “My mother knew where I was all the time and when I went to the YMCA there were so many things to do and this place sort of reminds me of the YMCA. It has so much potential.”

In addition to a 3,000 square foot martial arts studio, the facility will boast a 75-hundred square foot gym, a cardio centre as well as indoor soccer.

While they’re hoping to produce future champions, some residents are more excited about keeping kids active.

“Helping out kids and families its second to none. That’s where its at. Training helping kids motivating them good morals and standards and values. It’s huge.”

“It’s very good and I’m going to be going here a lot.”

Memberships will start around 29 dollars a month. The facility is expected to open late November or early December.