PILOT MOUNTAIN — Cardinal Foundation members hosted a reception Sunday afternoon as a way of saying “thank you” for the successful completion and implementation of the Cardinal Fitness Center.

The center, in the East Surry High School Fieldhouse, contains a wide assortment of weightlifting and conditioning equipment which is used extensively by the East Surry athletic program.

The event was originally billed as a dedication ceremony for the facility. But, noted Cardinal Foundation President Dan Stone during opening remarks, as it has been in use for several years by the school’s athletic programs, a public presentation of the center would be a more accurate description.

“This is a day to say thank you,” said East Surry Football Coach David Diamont. “We’re here today to thank this community, the school board, county commissioners, our businesses and individuals for their support in allowing this to be put together. This is a major piece of our school that didn’t cost taxpayers a penny. That was made possible by this community, by the number of people who gave of their time, money and efforts to allow kids to not only better compete athletically but to better develop physically.”

According to Stone, the beginnings of the fitness center could be traced back to when nine Cardinal Foundation members signed a loan note allowing some $150,000 to be borrowed for the facility’s completion. He went on to commend others, ranging from parents, school staff, businesses and individuals to government officials for their support of the project.

“This is a small school,” Diamont said, “and our community feels a connection to this school. Because of that, it all came together. We’ve all been able to come together and build a major classroom that has allowed us to take our kids as far as possible to reach their athletic potential.

“East Surry cannot compete academically or athletically,” he continued, “unless we are able to make our kids as much as they can be. That’s hard work.”

According to Diamont, a primary source of funds to pay for the center has come from the selling to local businesses of space for signage to surround athletic fields. He also noted that the East Surry project has been used as a guideline for at least one other area school’s fitness center and is expected to be used for others.