AKWESASNE – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) was pleased to announce on Thursday, Nov. 30 that their new ice resurfacer was ready for use at the A’nowara’kowa Arena.
The Olympia Ice Resurfacer, fondly called Olympia for short, was paid for through a fundraiser.
The total goal was $96, 000, of which 48,245 came from the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA) of Quebec’s Aboriginal Initiative Fund. The rest of the money was raised in the community through 50/50 raffles, BBQs and donations.
Community organizations that contributed to the fundraiser for the new ice resurfacer include Tarbell Management Group, CKON, Truck Stop #9, the Akwesasne Police Association, Akwesasne Family Services and more.
Ultimately, the project raised over $100, 000 which Kylee Tarbell, Assistant Director of the Department of Tehotiiennawakon says will be used for a grand vision to develop the area around the arena. So far the arena has a new gazebo, but Arena Manager Geraldine Kahnastatsi hopes to also add a trail system that connects to the trails in Cornwall, a volleyball court a basketball court, change rooms and a concession stand.
“I think it is great we’re here today to celebrate our new ice resurfacer,” said MCA Abraham Benedict speaking to a small group gathered on the ice at the arena. “There was contributions of many community members and business and I’m pleased to acknowledge all of you and the community.”
Jim Ransom, Director of the of the Department of Tehotiiennawakon said that the staff at the arena had always been praised for the quality of the ice, even with the old ice resurfacer.
“Its not easy maintaining a 20-year-old piece of equipment you can’t get replacement parts for,” he said.
He explained that the quality of the ice will be even better now as the Olympia had a laser level for the perfect skating surface.
