One day after launching a feverish fundraising campaign to build an international-calibre track and field facility at the University of Guelph, the Guelph Track Project has landed its first confirmed donation. And it is a hefty one.

Speed River Physiotherapy, a small local business run by Brenda Scott-Thomas, has committed $50,000 to the project. About $500,000 in funding confirmations is needed within the next few days, and $1 million is needed within a month in order to start construction of the track by spring.

Fundraisers leapt into action days after the university announced that it had received a staggering $1.5 million anonymous donation for a major and much needed renovation to Alumni Stadium. That money will be used to resurface the football field with synthetic turf.

An International Athletic Federation approved track and field facility would allow Guelph to host international events, which would spur local economic activity and athletic excellence, insiders said this week.