By Tamas Mondovics
While enjoying an already impressive list of athletic programs that includes tennis, swimming and gymnastics, area students will now have a chance to sharpen their academic skills as well, thanks to a new element offered at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon.
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of guests, community members, supporters and staff, BSAC opened the doors to its new Academic Enrichment Center, an approximately 700 sq. ft. $15,000 room equipped with a dozen iPad learning stations, as well as a smart board.
BSAC officials said that the center is much more than just an athletic outlet for area residents and that the new technology will offer highly-innovative educational curriculum applications to the center’s early childhood learning program, After School All Stars, and summer camp programs to its TRIDENT program for intellectually disabled youth and adults.
“This new addition will impact more than 200 students daily,” said BSAC Executive Director, Chuck Burgess. “The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center has lead the way for many years in bringing quality, cutting edge athletic and educational programming to our community’s youth. This new Academic Enrichment Center truly places us in the 21st century.”
Burgess recognized George Howell from the Saunders Foundation and Chuck Colwill and Mike Cessna from Colwill Engineering & Technologies and Joe Campamore from the Brandon Rotary Club for their generous financial support.
Kevin Baker and Florida Business Interiors were also recognized for its design work in putting together the color schemes, carpeting and furniture plans.
“This new look brings a modern, creative feel to the learning environment, a very important concept as we approach our company’s 50th anniversary this spring,” said BSAC associate Executive Director, Lori Bukaweski.
Adding to the success of the ceremony, Brandon Honorary Mayor Gay Lynn Love presented a Mayoral Proclamation to Burgess and the BSAC staff.
Burgess thanked the support of all present and the community for its continuous support of all that BSAC is committed to accomplish on behalf of its members and daily patrons.
For more information, please call 689-0908.
