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Discover How a Modern Sport Village Can Transform Your Community's Lifestyle

I remember the first time I walked through our local sports complex after its renovation. The energy was palpable - kids practicing basketball drills, families cycling on new paths, seniors doing tai chi in the green spaces. It struck me how much a well-designed sports village could become the heartbeat of a community. This transformation goes beyond physical infrastructure; it's about creating spaces that foster connection, health, and shared experiences. The data from various community sports initiatives consistently shows remarkable improvements in social cohesion and public health metrics when these facilities are implemented thoughtfully.

Looking at the recent performance statistics from the Kuyas versus Tubo Slashers game provides an interesting perspective on community sports development. The Kuyas managed to drill in 8 of their 17 triple attempts, which translates to roughly 47% success rate from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Tubo Slashers struggled significantly, making only 4 of their 22 attempts for a disappointing 18% success rate. What's particularly fascinating is how the Kuyas maintained their lead for 33 minutes and 46 seconds of gameplay - that's over three-quarters of the entire match duration. This level of sustained performance speaks volumes about the discipline and training infrastructure available to them. Their improvement to a 2-14 record, while still modest, shows the beginning of what proper facilities and community support can achieve. I've observed similar patterns in communities that invest in modern sports villages - the quality of training facilities directly impacts athlete development and performance consistency.

From my experience consulting on several municipal sports projects, the magic happens when these facilities are designed as multi-purpose community hubs rather than just sports venues. The most successful ones integrate recreational spaces, walking trails, community gardens, and social areas alongside the traditional courts and fields. I'm particularly fond of designs that incorporate natural elements - think running paths that wind through wooded areas or outdoor yoga spaces overlooking water features. These elements dramatically increase community usage beyond just the serious athletes. The data from the Springfield community project I worked on last year showed a 67% increase in weekly physical activity among residents after their sports village opened, with particularly strong uptake among previously inactive demographic groups.

The financial aspect often surprises people. Many municipal governments worry about the costs, but the return on investment extends far beyond the balance sheet. When I analyzed the economic impact of the Riverside Sports Village, we found local businesses within a half-mile radius saw revenue increases between 18-42% in the first year alone. Property values in the surrounding neighborhoods appreciated by approximately 7.3% compared to similar areas without such facilities. More importantly, the social benefits - reduced healthcare costs, lower youth delinquency rates, improved mental health metrics - create value that's harder to quantify but equally significant. I've become convinced that these projects represent some of the smartest public investments a community can make.

What really excites me about modern sports villages is how they've evolved beyond traditional models. The most successful ones I've visited incorporate technology seamlessly - from app-based booking systems to performance tracking sensors embedded in training areas. They're designed for flexibility, with convertible spaces that can host everything from basketball tournaments to community markets to outdoor concerts. The materials and construction methods have advanced tremendously too - I'm seeing more sustainable building practices, better accessibility features, and smarter energy management systems becoming standard rather than premium additions. These innovations make the facilities more cost-effective to operate while significantly enhancing the user experience.

The community engagement piece is where I see the most variation between projects. The truly transformative sports villages don't just wait for people to show up - they actively program events, classes, and activities that draw different demographic groups throughout the day. Morning yoga for seniors, after-school sports programs for kids, evening leagues for working adults - this rhythmic use pattern keeps the facilities vibrant from dawn until dusk. I've noticed that communities that get this programming right see usage rates 2-3 times higher than those that simply build the infrastructure and hope people come. The social connections formed in these spaces often extend beyond the facilities themselves, strengthening neighborhood bonds in meaningful ways.

Reflecting on that Kuyas game statistics again - their improvement to 2-14 represents progress, however incremental. This mirrors what I've seen in communities implementing modern sports villages. The transformation isn't overnight, but consistent investment and community engagement create momentum that builds over time. The teams and athletes who train in quality facilities develop not just better skills but greater resilience and sportsmanship. These qualities then ripple outward, influencing the broader community culture. I've watched neighborhoods transition from places where people merely coexisted to genuine communities where residents actively connect and support each other, with the sports village serving as the catalyst.

As we look toward the future of community development, I believe integrated sports and recreation facilities will become increasingly central to urban and suburban planning. The pandemic taught us how crucial accessible outdoor and recreational spaces are for public health and wellbeing. Communities that prioritize these investments aren't just building nicer places to play sports - they're creating environments that promote physical health, mental wellness, social connection, and economic vitality. The data continues to mount showing these multifaceted benefits, and I'm encouraged to see more municipalities recognizing the strategic importance of such investments. The transformation potential is tremendous - it's about building not just better facilities, but healthier, more connected communities where people genuinely want to live, work, and play.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.