Lace Up a Tribute to Games Host Community

A one-of-a-kind sculpture has been erected on the Halifax Common beside the Emera oval as a tribute to the collective community that made the Halifax 2011 Canada Games one of the most successful in history.

Lace Up depicts shoe and skate laces as aerial paths that capture the feeling of weightlessness, representing the sense of freedom people feel when using the oval.

"The people of Nova Scotia, in particular the people of HRM, completely embraced the spirit of the Canada Games," said Games chair Jean-Paul Deveau. "There is no better example of that than the oval. We are proud to present this gift to the community on behalf of the athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff of the 2011 Games."

The sculpture was designed by Ilan Sandler and built with his team in Dartmouth. It is on the south side of the Oval.

Whether on skates, roller blades, or foot, people tend to take elliptical paths when moving around the oval. The artwork's arching forms invite viewers to stand under the structure or explore it while sitting on lace-like benches.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate the sport and cultural legacy of the Games than this work of art," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. "Visitors to the oval will enjoy this for years to come."

Mayor Mike Savage was pleased to accept the sculpture on behalf of HRM residents.

"The memory of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games will live on in our community through this artwork, commemorating the hard work of thousands of Canada Games participants, volunteers, partners and spectators that helped make the Games such a success."

The laces will be lit at night, highlighting its shape.

The oval was built in December 2010 to host long-track speed skating. It was opened to the public before the Games and quickly became a magnet for visitors from across the province. Halifax Regional Municipality decided to make it permanent after the Games in 2011. It averages 130,000 visitors per year.