Named in honour of legendary Luxembourgish cyclist Elsy Jacobs, the gymnasium saw its topping out ceremony on Tuesday, coinciding with St George’s Day and ahead of the annual Elsy Jacobs Festival.
The new gymnasium, slated for completion in the summer of 2025, represents a remarkable addition to the City of Luxembourg’s sporting infrastructure as the first such facility to be named after a woman. Dr Christian Barkei, Principal of St George’s, emphasised the significance of honouring Jacobs: “As a pioneering figure in both cycling and women’s rights, Elsy Jacobs epitomises resilience and determination. Naming our new gymnasium after her serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and an inspiration to generations to come.”
Boasting a double-sized sports hall, along with changing rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms, the facility is poised to become a hub for athletic and educational pursuits alike. Moreover, aligning with St George’s sustainability objectives, the gymnasium incorporates cutting-edge features aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. These include a rooftop solar farm expected to fulfil 8% of the school’s energy requirements, a green roof, low-emission heating systems, and a rainwater collection system.
Distinguished guests of the topping out ceremony included Martine Molitor, the First Government Advisor of the Ministry of Education, and Maurice Bauer, Chief Alderman of the Luxembourg City municipality, joined friends of the late Elsy Jacobs, as well as governors and staff of St George’s. As a poignant gesture, a time capsule seeking to capture the essence of St George’s in 2024 was sealed during the ceremony. Intended to be opened in 2054, the capsule embodies the school’s enduring commitment to preserving its heritage and shaping future generations.
Meet Luxembourg’s English Schools: St George’s International School
