Life bursts open

RESIDENTS have been using the YMCA Cardinia LiFE four-court extension for months, but that did not stop them celebrating its official opening at the weekend.
A large crowd gathered at the centre on Sunday afternoon as Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs James Merlino and Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald officially declared the extension open.
South Dragons NBL stars Nick Horvath and Mika Vukona, Paralympic medal-winning members of the Australian men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams, Gippsland Storm Netball Club players and Pakenham Warriors basketball, and local floorball players were among those to showcase their skills in an afternoon of free activities and entertainment.
A half-court shoot-out netted a Mt Eliza teen a 26-inch LCD television, courtesy of Hardy’s Retravision Pakenham.
Players from the Pakenham Warriors came close to nailing some baskets from half court, but Russell Chaplin beat them to the punch in the highly contested long shot competition.
The extension makes the complex on the Princes Highway, Pakenham, one of the biggest recreational centres in the state outside the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
A new premier court has retractable seating to accommodate 686 people, meaning YMCA Cardinia LiFE could soon showcase premier netball and basketball games, including those featuring Olympic squads, state squads and National Basketball League teams.
The centre also features a health club, group fitness rooms, crèche facilities, change rooms and three heated pools. Cr Ronald said the opening celebration highlighted the facilities at Cardinia LiFE.
He thanked the State Government, including Mr Merlino and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, for its contribution of $500,000.