January 16, 2015 (Milton, ON) – When a small group of cycling enthusiasts first proposed the idea of a velodrome in Milton, their aspirations seemed nearly unachievable. Fast-forward three years and two major events, and the world-class cycling facility that existed only in their dreams is more than just a reality – it’s a major success. In its first two weekends alone, the velodrome welcomed over 6,700 spectators, as well as countless athletes and coaches from across Canada and around the world. Avid cyclists and community members are also clamouring to ride the newly-laid track, keeping the Town’s cycling programs consistently at capacity.

Amid all the excitement around the initial success of the 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 facility to fruition.

Among the event’s many attendees were leaders from all three levels of government, including Lisa Raitt, MP, Halton and federal Minister of Transport, Indira Naidoo-Harris, MPP, Halton, and Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, along with members of Town council.

“Today’s event was our way of showing our deep gratitude and appreciation for everyone who helped to make the vision of the velodrome a reality,” said Mayor Krantz. “The Mattamy National Cycling Centre represents so many important partnerships and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to recognize the relationships that were built through our shared mission.”

Also in attendance were representatives from the many businesses and organizations that supported the project, as well as individual donors and sponsors. Among them was Howard Chang, who led the Make-it-Happen campaign that raised funds for the building of the velodrome.

In keeping with the vision of the velodrome as a high-performance cycling centre and a community recreation facility, the fundraising campaign encouraged everyone in the area to get involved. From sponsoring a $25 virtual track plank, to purchasing a $250 seat and beyond, the campaign offered ample opportunities for all Miltonians to make their mark on the Mattamy National Cycling Centre.

The community-minded approach of the campaign struck a chord – so much so, that Chang and the Make-it-Happen team have now surpassed their original fundraising goal of $14.0M.

“I believe the campaign was successful because we captured the imaginations 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. “It was always about what can we contribute to society through this campaign, and the entire committee, made up of passionate business and community leaders, all sang from the same song sheet.”

The campaign also received a major boost from Peter Gilgan, Founder and CEO of Mattamy Homes and member of the Make-it-Happen committee. From early on, Gilgan shared the dream of creating a home for Canadian cycling in Milton. He was quick to mobilize the cycling community and encouraged 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. “We’re looking forward to Milton becoming a destination for the world’s best cycling athletes and competitions. When you add to that the benefits to the local community from this world-class centre, it really is going to be a new era for sports and recreation in the region.”

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.

In the meantime, the Town aims to keep the wheels in motion by accepting donations and seeking out sponsors to help grow and improve this exciting new facility.

For information about the Make-it-Happen fundraising campaign, visit make-it-happen.ca/.

For information about the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, visit www.mattamynationalcyclingcentre.ca.