I am the University of Manitoba "higher up" Doug Brown refers to in his Jan. 8 column, U of M shutting Blue out of gym a troubling precedent. In fact, the relationship between the university and the Bombers is healthy, and far from "shutting out the Blue," we welcome all individuals, athletes and non-athletes, from the university and the community, to engage in exercise, recreation and sport in our public buildings.

We value all types of physical activity equally: exercise for the heart, play for the fun of it, as well as preparation for an international competition. Our Bison Sport athletes, just like all other students, faculty and staff, pay for their use of the facility. We do not provide elite athletes with complimentary passes and, to be fair to regular users, we also expect visitors to pay.

These fees support the upkeep of our facilities, as well as the infrastructure for the sport and recreation activities in them, including Bison Sport. We do agree with Brown, however, when he says he is talking about a small amount of money to pay for drop-in privileges. We think that $10 a day or $70 a month for access to ice, gyms, courts, fitness facilities, track, climbing wall and pool is a fair price to pay for keeping fit and healthy.

 

JANE WATKINSON

Faculty of kinesiology and recreation management

University of Manitoba

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 10, 2013 A14