STELLARTON, NS, July 17, 2024 /CNW/ – Stellarton Memorial Rink is getting an overhaul after an investment of $6 million from the federal government.

Minister Sean Fraser and Darren Stroud, President of the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association, announced the funding for this project that will turn the former arena into a green, multi-purpose, indoor recreation facility.

The project will revitalize and repurpose the former Stellarton Memorial Rink to make room to host a multitude of community events and will include an indoor walking track as well as new volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The facility will be renamed the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre in continued tribute to our fallen war veterans and will feature a removable stage for performances, modernized locker rooms, and retractable bleachers.

This federal government investment was made through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) and will ensure Stellarton Memorial Community Centre is accessible and energy efficient. Upgrades to the building include improved insulation and mechanical systems to allow for four season operation for indoor sports and recreation. The building will also be made fully accessible with upgraded entrance ways and washrooms.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to creating a greener and more inclusive future for all Canadians. The Stellarton Memorial Community Centre will provide multipurpose community space for all ages and abilities, while reducing its carbon footprint.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The Stellarton Memorial Rink has been part of our community for more than 75 years, playing an important role in the lives of many families and visitors to Stellarton. That’s why the provincial government has invested in revitalising and repurposing the rink so the community can continue to use it for a variety of activities.”

The Honourable Pat Dunn, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pictou Centre

“We are thrilled and honoured with the investments placed by both Federal and Provincial governments in the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre project. This financial support will help to ensure this facility continues to honour our veterans while serving our community in a most inclusive and efficient manner for generations to come.”

Darren Stroud, President of the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $6 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The Government of Nova Scotia has previously announced a contribution of $2 million to this project.
• These enhancements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 101% and greenhouse gas emissions by 298 tonnes annually.
• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.
• The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
• Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.
• At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
• The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement.

Associated Links

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html 

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Blueberry eating competition sets a world record; $10,000 still up for grabs in nationwide social media contest for everyday blueberry lovers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. /PRNewswire/ — In one of the most exciting celebrations of National Blueberry Month yet, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is shining a spotlight on how – and how much – people love blueberries. The Great American Blueberry Challenge, which kicked off at the start of the month to inspire blueberry lovers nationwide to share creative ways to grab a boost of blue, culminated in the first-ever blueberry eating championship on Saturday, July 13. USHBC, in partnership with Major League Eating, invited professional competitive eaters from across the country to gather in Grand Rapids, Mich. to eat as much blueberries as possible in the span of eight minutes, setting a world record of 18.475 lbs.

Patrick Bertoletti took the top prize in the competition, earning a cash prize as well as the inaugural title of blueberry eating champion. An impressive total of 82.769 lbs of blueberries were devoured by the competitors during the event, with a final ranking as follows:

• First place: Patrick Bertoletti, 18.475 lbs
• Second place: Geoffrey Esper, 16.044 lbs
• Third place: James Webb, 15.319 lbs
• Fourth place: Nick Wehry, 12.600 lbs
• Fifth place: Gideon Oji, 12.569 lbs

The Great American Blueberry Challenge eating championship took place during the Advil Targeted Relief Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season Tournament, as part of USHBC’s partnership with MLP. Also featured at the event were special guest officiants Shelly Hartmann, chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, blueberry grower and owner of True Blue Farms in Michigan; and professional pickleball player Anna Bright of the MLP St. Louis Shock.

“While we work to generate excitement for blueberries all year long, we think National Blueberry Month makes July the biggest and best month of the year, and we know that many blueberry superfans feel the same way! What better way to capture that enthusiasm than with a thrilling spectacle that turns ‘grab a boost of blue’ into a literal sport – while at the same time engaging pickleball players and fans as the Official Fruit of Major League Pickleball,” said Hartmann. “Whether you enjoy blueberries for an active lifestyle, or simply because they’re delicious, we hope to inspire and grow even more love and passion for blueberries year after year.”

While the sport of professional competitive eating comes with the cautionary advice of “do not try this at home,” blueberry fans still have a chance to win big – a grand prize of $10,000 plus runners-up prizes – by celebrating National Blueberry Month in a different way that can be just as fun and more creative. The Great American Blueberry Challenge social media contest runs through July 31 and is specifically for everyday consumers. USHBC invites people to think of an idea that shows off a creative, unique or even downright wacky way to enjoy blueberries – for example, seeing how high you can blow a blueberry up in the air, or eating blueberries with chopsticks while blindfolded. To enter, participants must share their video on Instagram, tagging @blueberries and including #BlueberryChallengeContest in the post. More  information is available at GreatAmericanBlueberryChallenge.com.

To learn more about blueberries and explore delicious recipes, swaps and other inspiration, visit Blueberry.org.

About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.

SOURCE U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

EU and UK territories added to longtime licensing and distribution partnership

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — United Legwear & Apparel Co., LLC (ULAC), a New York-based global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of legwear, apparel, and accessories, has announced an expansion of their 20-year licensing partnership with global lifestyle and performance footwear and apparel brand Skechers to include distribution in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The license will be managed in these two added territories through ULAC’s newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiaries in the EU and UK: United Legwear & Apparel Europe BV and United Legwear & Apparel UK Ltd., respectively.

Skechers will leverage ULAC’s sales and distribution strengths in these territories to increase their market footprint.  Isaac Ash, CEO and President of ULAC, explained that the timing was perfect for the addition of these territories to their licensing agreement: “ULAC has had a successful partnership with Skechers for two decades in North America. With the establishment of ULAC Europe B.V. in 2023, it’s a strategic time for Skechers to tap into our capabilities and increase their legwear presence in retailers across these countries.”

“Customers’ enthusiastic response to our offering of Skechers-branded socks has paved the way for additional expansion opportunities, including in Europe,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “With a long history together, United Legwear understands the Skechers brand, our need for quality and style, and our consumers. Together, we can bring more comfort to the people of Europe.”

Skechers will now have dedicated showroom space at ULAC Europe B.V.’s headquarters in Amsterdam and in the London showroom. Buyers from key retailers can easily view the legwear collections for men, women and kids in these beautiful, newly-built spaces.

Skechers lifestyle and high-performance socks, including pairs for running, golf, basketball, football, and pickleball for men and women, as well as Skechers lifestyle socks for children of all ages, are available in Skechers retail stores and retailers across the United States and Europe.

About United Legwear & Apparel Co.
United Legwear & Apparel Co. LLC (unitedlegwear.com) is a 25-year-old New York City-based global entity that designs, manufactures, and distributes legwear, bodywear, apparel, and accessories. Founded by Isaac E. Ash, United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) is a joint venture partner of PUMA North America; has distribution partnerships with Scotch & Soda and Hurley; maintains highly-recognized licensed brands such as Skechers, Van Heusen, DKNY, Champion, and Weatherproof; owns the Pro Player and Lemon brands, and has a portfolio of private-label brands. ULAC’s mission is to produce and distribute apparel and accessories of highest quality and best value while working with integrity and fairness.

Press Contact: Rita Polidori O’Brien | rita@unitedlegwear.com

About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc. 
Skechers (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company® based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company’s collections are available in 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,200 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.