12 November,2010 01:41 PM IST | | Agencies
Australian legendary spinner Shane Warne will now have a stadium named after him under a proposed multi-million dollar renovation.
According to the Australian Associated Press, Melbourne's heritage-listed Junction Oval would be renamed the Shane Warne Oval after being refurbished.
Almost USD 20 million would be spent in re-developing the Oval into a 5000-seat boutique stadium and indoor sports and training centre if a Labor government was re-elected, Victorian Premier John Brumby said today.
Warne was overwhelmed at the proposal and said it would be beneficial for the junior cricketers of Victoria.
"Today's commitment by the premier will not only ensure Victoria will be well represented in our national team but is great news for junior and community cricketers across Victoria," Warne, who once played for the St Kilda Cricket Club in Victoria, said.
Besides the USD 20 million, the Labor also promised to spend USD 120.2 million for the development of grassroots and elite sports.
The proposal include investing in sporting clubs, helping volunteers and encouraging people aged over 60 to get more healthy and active.
"Labor will provide grants of up to $60,000 for small facility upgrades such as lighting; and up to $500,000 for bigger upgrades such as ground resurfacing and clubroom improvements," Brumby said in a statement.
"Under the program, we will also provide grants of up to $5 million for both new and improved large scale multi-sport facilities in our suburbs and towns," he added.
