Wayne Gretzky returns home for grand opening of sports centre

Statues of Wayne Gretzky sit outside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford, Ont., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (Lee Boyadjian / CTV Kitchener)

One of Brantford’s most famous exports is now a permanent fixture in the city.  The ‘Great One’ returned home to Brantford Sunday for the grand opening of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

“It’s just a wonderful complex.” Gretzky tells the crowd of media at Sunday’s news conference.

The $64 million, four-year renovation of the facility is complete.

Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of Canadian royalty and to see the sports centre.  It has an aquatic centre, four ice rinks and to see the official unveiling of a statue dedicated to Wayne and his parents.

““I think this complex is exactly what my dad said about sports that whether you’re a great athlete or an okay athlete that sports teaches kids so many things and mostly importantly it keeps them busy and keeps them out of trouble and so this facility, this complex has a little bit of everything. “  Gretzky says.

His father Walter is pleased the facility provides more ice surfaces for young athletes.  “So many kids are going to enjoy life as young teenagers and young kids all because of this facility.”

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is designed to meet the varying needs of a growing city and hopefully inspire the next generation of ‘great ones.’

“Kids have hopes and dreams. They have beliefs that one day wanting to be an NHL player and a facility like this gives kids that opportunity it opens doors for them and makes their dreams sort of possible.” Gretzky says.

The legacy of Canada’s most famous father was not overlooked.  A section of the road leading to the centre was renamed The Walter Gretzky Boulevard.