Braley gives $5-million to McMaster sports centre Associated Press
Hamilton — Hamilton businessman and B.C. Lions owner David Braley donated $5 million to McMaster University's athletics centre Wednesday.
The sports complex, set to open in September, will be known as the David Braley Athletics Centre. Braley attended McMaster and played on the Marauders' football and basketball teams.
"We are tremendously lucky to have someone like David Braley step up to the plate and support university athletics in such a generous way," McMaster president Peter George said in a statement.
"He understands the value of sports and fitness, and his donation is really a donation to the physical prosperity and well-being of our students."
Braley said he wished to provide facilities that would enable the university to recruit the best student-athletes.
"I know how important an attractive and serious training environment is for student-athletes," said Braley. "It inspires students, it motivates them, it helps them feel valued. And it ultimately helps them succeed in the classroom and in the working world."
Fantastic stuff and I hope other universities get donations to upgrade their athletic facilities, great for not just varsity athletes but intramural and recreational programs as well.
Actually, when it gets down it, being in Hamilton and growing up in London and going to Western, with Western now having coach Marshall there and him being head coach next year, the McMaster/Western rivalry might just be better than the Cats/Argos one with our Cats stinkers, who knows.
i assume most will disagree with me here. while i think it is nice that he has donated this money i find it a little egotistical when they require their own name on it. I mean sure honour someone great with a name sure but to put your own name on it??? pretty cheesy in my books.
It is really common accepted practise to put their name on it! I hear what you are saying...but Really, non of us has much of a chance of ever donating that much money for a new building!
Hey, it needs a name anyway...so be it!
Nice Gesture...how many trips around the world or luxury sports cars could that much money buy?
Well, I hear what you are saying blackdale, here in Hamilton when someone gave some $5 mill for the cancer centre, it is now called the Juravinski Cancer Centre. Doesn't bother me but it does sort of smack, some have said, like an arena or stadium and not sure appropriate for a health care facility. But for athletics, well, I don't know, I think it's ok.
Is there any info as to what exactly the athletic centre will be? Also, how will the football program directly benefit? I thought they were already building a new football stadium there.
Yes, there will be a new football stadium, ready next year I believe, that will hold 6,000 expandable with temp seats to 12,000. Ron Joyce of Tim Horton's donated $10 mill for the stadium.
i have no issue with assigning someones name to it but why not name it after his father or someone he admires and thinks deserves to be remembered. someone who has made a truly substantial difference in the world. if he thinks he deserves accolades more than anyone else he is pompus. i think he just thinks that he gave the money so he should get the recognition and hasn't thought of the idea of naming it after someone else that may not have the financial resources he has ut has contributed more to society. not suggesting he name it after me here. reminds me of something trump would do.
I personally don't think I could but then if I gave millions to an organization and they offered to have it named after myself, well, not sure I would necessarily refuse.
Blackdale, if I'd offer you 1000$ to name your living room after me, would you refuse the money, or would you take the check and say "Thank you sir, I can't wait to drink a thousand buck's worth of beer in Third_And_Ten's lounge."
i'll even put up a plaque for you. i am not blaming the school for taking the money. just think braley is lame for naming it after himself. you sending a cheque or do you prefer direct deposit?
