FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto – David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski today announced that their families have made a joint $5 million gift for a new, state of the art sports centre, part of the Prosserman JCC at Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave, to be named the Cynamon/Sokolowski Sports Complex.
A vital part of the Prosserman JCC, which opened its first phase this past fall, the Cynamon/Sokolowski Sports Complex will offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to health and wellness for all ages. The approximately 71000 sq. foot facility will include a multi-sport gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, including a therapeutic pool, an indoor running track, and a state of the art fitness centre.
“This is an extraordinary gift, by philanthropic leaders in our city. The Cynamon/ Sokolowski Sports Complex will embody the generosity, passion for sport, and commitment to community for which the Cynamon and Sokolowski families are renowned,” said Alan Winer, Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
The Cynamon/Sokolowski Sports Complex will be part of the second phase of Sherman Campus, a unique centre of community services located on 27.5 acres adjacent to the Don Valley ravine on Bathurst St, north of Sheppard Ave. The campus includes the Prosserman JCC, The National Centre for Jewish Heritage, the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, The Koffler Centre of the Arts, the Lipa Green Centre for Jewish Community Services and the brand new Leah Posluns Theatre.
In announcing the gift, the owners of the Toronto Argonauts emphasized their commitment to enriching lives through athletics. “Sports have a way of bringing people from all backgrounds and experiences together in the pursuit of excellence. My family and I are thrilled to be part of the growth and vibrancy of the Prosserman JCC on Sherman Campus which will serve Torontonians of all background,” said David Cynamon.
“I can think of no better way to give back to a community than helping to give all Torontonians the opportunity to experience the love of sport in a nurturing environment that celebrates Jewish life within the context of a vibrant and diverse city like Toronto,” said Howard Sokolowski.
Sherman Campus is part of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s $400 million Tomorrow Campaign, which is building three centres of Jewish life that will serve all residents of the Greater Toronto area. Chaired by Gerry Schwartz and Larry Tanenbaum, the project is the largest non-profit infrastructure development in Canada. The groundbreaking of Sherman Campus took place in October, 2007 and the first phase of construction was completed in September, 2009. The groundbreaking of the 50 acre Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan took place in May, 2005. In the downtown core, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre completed its renovation in November, 2004, and The Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life opened in February, 2004.