Iqaluit (July 26/04) - The last few months have been busy for the Iqaluit Fitness Society.

All the hard work and dedication have paid off because July 5 was the first day of operation for the Attii Fitness Centre.

Sharla Mulley, board member for the society, said it feels great to have the doors open and see people using the facility.

"It's exciting to be at this point," said Annie Marie Bowman, board member.

Tim MacLeod, another member of the board, said the community has been very patient with the opening of the centre. The opening took a little longer then expected because all the work was done by volunteers.

"It's going to be nice. I won't have to hear the question 'When will the fitness centre be open?'" he said.

The society is now focusing on setting up programs at the centre.

Looking back on their accomplishment, the board agreed it wouldn't have been possible without the support of the community.

"The community support has been great," said Ailsa Lapp, board member.

The board raised more then $7,000 from a daily draw event throughout the month of June. Local businesses donated items that were handed out as prizes.