Another sport group hopes Thunder Bay city council finally approves some type of multi-use indoor turf facility.
The parish priest at Holy Family Church, Jarin Louis, plays cricket with at least 100 people, spread out at various times in the church parking lot, but says it’s only for about four months.
“We don’t have other places here, so since last year all these students chipped in, to try and make a batting cage where we can practice actual cricket. There is no other place where we can practice,” says Louis.
It’s also not too difficult for him to get past the multi-million dollar bill, a price tag he certainly sympathizes with.
Louis points out he’s in touch with about 500 immigrants from India. He says when the ones who want to play do so, it makes a difference. “When they come together to play cricket, or any other sport, it really helps them as a person. There is one side that is money, and there is one side that is a person. You choose… and I choose person, over money.”
The parish priest says many groups will benefit from the multi-use indoor turf facility.
Not only does he play cricket, but also soccer, and believes many people want to try a multitude of sports.
“I never played lacrosse in my whole life, and when I came here, I got to play that. I never played floor hockey, and I got to learn that. Someone who likes sports, there’s a chance they want to try out other sports too,” points out Louis.
He adds everyone he speaks to wants some type of facility.
Thunder Bay city council meets Thursday night to hear options, but no decisions, votes or debate will take place.
The Sportsdome at the CLE grounds collapsed during a snowstorm in November of 2016, sparking the search for an indoor facility.
Both men’s and women’s soccer communities have not had a season, that was cancelled with no place to play. Other sporting groups are also interested in the multi-use facility, which would also have amenities for them, as well as a restaurant, change rooms and track for walking or running.
