January 8, 2018

 

Hagåtña – The ceremony to officially open the doors of the newly renovated Astumbo Gym in Dededo was held today.

 

The renovation included strengthening the structure to meet Tier 2 requirements for an emergency shelter, which includes withstanding winds of up to 175 mph. The gym also is now ADA compliant.

 

“What makes our island so special is that it’s a community — it’s a family. And this gym is one way we are taking care of our family,” Governor Calvo stated. “We’re creating a space where our children and our athletes can participate in sports and hone their skills. But the gym also can be used as an emergency shelter in times of disasters.”

 

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio noted that the Astumbo Gym is one of 8 gyms that are undergoing renovation as part of the Islandwide Gymansium renovation project. The 8 gyms part of the renovation include: Astumbo Gym, Yigo Gym, the Guam Dededo Sports Complex, Tamuning Gym, Barrigada Gym, Yona Gym, Talofofo Gym, and Agat Gym.

 

“The Administration continues to work on building safe and sustainable communities through programs like this. We thank Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority for helping to lead this effort. A gym plays a great role in providing our children with healthy activities, which means they’re more likely to stay away from drugs and other bad habits,” said Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio.

 

The Astumbo Gym rehabilitation project was funded by GHURA through the use of the Community Development Block Grant available through the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

 

GHURA Executive Director Michael Duenas said the gyms are a priority for the administration, and thanked partner agency Department of Parks and Recreation for working with them to get this project done.

 

“All of the gyms across the island are usually very busy and I want to thank DPR for all they do to help our community, and working with us to ensure we can provide the community with facilities like this,” Duenas said.

 

Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares also said she appreciates the shelter. Often times, they have people from other places through the island come to typhoon shelters. She reiterated Lt. Governor Tenorio’s comments that the gymnasium offers a place where youth can focus on positive lifestyle behaviors.  

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