Fr Dermot Preston SJ
AMDG
A NEW ERA IN SPORT FOR THE COLLEGE The College realised a sporting ambition on Monday 6 March as Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Gregor Townsend and Scottish Hockey Internationalist Susan McGilveray officially opened a brand new sports facility on our Garnethill campus. The building was then blessed and dedicated by Fr Dermot Preston SJ, the British Jesuit Provincial.
Chairman of Governors, John Hylands said: “We are very proud of what the College has accomplished in realising its long-held ambition of building a sports facility on Garnethill” and thanked the Society of Jesus for their continuing support of the College. Head Master, Matthew Bartlett spoke of a collective pride in being part of the continuing history of the College and added “We look forward to seeing our pupils engage in a wider range of sports and achieve their goals, making the most of their talents and ultimately, inspiring others. Great things do happen when we get active.” L to R: Fr Porter, Mr Browne, Mr Hylands, Mr Bartlett, Mr Stoer, Fr Preston SJ
College Schola
The event opened with music from the College Schola, before brief speeches from the Chairman of Governors John Hylands, Head Master Matthew Bartlett and Director of Sport, Dean Tearney. Gregor Townsend and Susan McGilveray then took questions from pupils about their lives in sport and how pupils can be inspired by their sporting endeavours. The construction of a new sports facility has been in the planning for quite some time, and all four Head Masters who have presided over the project from conception to completion – Fr Adrian Porter SJ, John Stoer (the first lay Head), John Browne and current Head Master Matthew Bartlett – were present to see their sporting ambition come to fruition. The new on-campus facility will offer a host of benefits to pupils, parents and staff of the College, even reducing travel times to the existing sports facilities located around the city. Previously, all certificated classes from National 5 to Advanced Higher were often taught off site. All of these classes will now take place on the main campus.
Director of Sport, Dean Tearney said: “We are giving our pupils the best chance of fulfilling their potential academically and physically, as well as discovering why they love sport.” Gregor Townsend said: “Sport is great, whether you enjoy doing something you’re good at it, or just being part of a team. Sport gives your body and mind a rush of energy from doing a dance class or competing on an international stage. My advice to the aspiring sports men and women at the College is to find as many sports as possible that you enjoy. Having a wonderful facility such as this at your fingertips already gives you a head start – go out and grab the opportunity!” Susan McGilveray, whose invaluable experience and expertise has been shared with pupils over a number of years through hockey coaching and umpiring, said: “This is the start of
Gregor Townsend and Susan McGilveray
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Sports Captains with Gregor T
