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US$10m boost for university sports scheme
The University of New England (UNE) has received a US$10m (£6.4m) boost towards its plans for a new sports development at its Biddeford campus in Maine, US.
The Harold Alfond Foundation (HAF) has pledged funding towards the US$20m (£12.8m) project, which will also include investment in healthcare education. UNE's plans for the 105,000sq ft (9,755sq m) athletics complex include an ice hockey rink with spectator seating for 900; a basketball court with 1,200 seats; and a fitness centre.
Classroom space and multi-purpose indoor practice courts with a combined seating capacity of 3,000 will also form part of the Harold Alfond Athletics Complex development. UNE president Danielle Ripich said: "State-of-the-art educational and athletic facilities are fundamental resources that enhance the mental and physical well-being of our students."
Greg Powell, chair of HAF's board of trustees, added: "Harold Alfond understood the positive relationship between athletics and academics." Once the university successfully matches an initial US$7m (£4.5m) gift, HAF will increase its commitment by a further US$3m (£1.9m) towards health workforce education.