A significant amount of the energy used to power the new venue will come from a series of solar panels placed on the roof of the building as part of the sponsorship and naming rights agreement with energy firm True Value Solar.

APC President Greg Hartung says the facility in Victoria signals a new era for Paralympic sport in Australia ©Getty Images














































"We are delighted to be able to now offer our Victorian based Para-athletes and coaches with permanent access to a first class training venue on a daily basis, and we look forward to hosting training camps for Australia's Paralympic teams as they prepare for upcoming World Championships and the Paralympic Games," said Hartung, who is also vice-President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

"The positive and collaborative manner in which Essendon has approached this partnership has been very impressive.

"Their Board and management staff have been excellent partners to work with and they have kept us informed of progress every step of the way.

"We are excited about working closely with them moving forward."

Work on the 100,000 square metre site, located nine kilometres from Essendon's training ground Windy Hill, began back in February 2012, and Hartung paid tribute to the support of the Victorian Government as well as the former Federal Government, led by Julia Gillard, before adding that the completion of the project highlighted the benefits of two different sporting organisations working together in a supportive and cost effective way.

"The APC and Essendon both compete in high performance environments and by joining forces, our athletes, coaches and staff will be given a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and skills, and hopefully find a competitive edge," added Hartung.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty (left) and Essendon Football Club chairman Paul Little cut the ribbon to officially open the True Value Solar Centre ©Essendon Football Club






















He was joined at the official ribbon cutting by a number of Australian Paralympians along with Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty and Essendon Football Club chairman, Paul Little.

Little claimed the opening of the new facility was an historic day for his club and thanked the hardwork and commitment of everyone involved in making it happen.

"We wanted to give our players the best chance for future success but most of all, we needed to bring our players into the current time," said Little.

"The True Value Solar Centre is a world class venue that will provide our players, coaches and staff with the best possible facilities every day they go to work."

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