Steve Backley OBE, a former world record holder for javelin throwing, cut the ribbon at Fit4less at the Enterprise Centre in North Farm Road, High Brooms. He joined hundreds of guests at the gym’s VIP launch last month, where visitors were greeted with a champagne reception and a sneak peek around the 8,000sq ft building.
A few weeks later the gym welcomed Dame Kelly Holmes in a bid to help disadvantaged youngsters. The gym is providing the use of its facilities to the Get On Track programme, which is run by the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. It aims to help youngsters get into education, training or employment via sport, the double Olympic gold medal winner dropped into Fit4less with a group of young people who experienced a gym environment and learnt about career opportunities in the fitness industry.
During the visit, gym staff presented Dame Kelly with a cheque for £400, which staff and members have raised for the Get On Track programme over the last two months. There was also further fundraising with joining fees for new members taken on the day being donated to the trust.
Franchisee Charles Foulkes said: “When we decided to open our gym we wanted to make good quality fitness available at an affordable price, but also to help the wider community and supporting the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is a perfect fit.”
“We have a fabulous gym packed full of state-of-the-art equipment and during quiet times it is great to find a way of using the kit to help other people. Having Dame Kelly visit in person is the icing on the cake as she is a prime example of somebody from a modest background who showed the world what a superb athlete you can become with access to the right facilities, and with the discipline and determination that all sporting superstars need to have to make the most of their natural talent.”
Photo credit: Times of Tunbridge Wells
