Double Paralympic gold medallists open Fitzone Gym in Kendal
On Monday 5th January lakes leisure Kendal welcomed double paralympic gold medal winning couple Sarah Storey MBE/OBE and husband Barney Storey MBE. The pair won two gold medals each at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and along with Tim Farron MP officially opened the newly extended Fitzone gym at lakes leisure Kendal on Burton Road.
The new gym extension - now a 40+ station facility
Sarah is one of Great Britain's most decorated female Paralympians [2nd only to Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson], having won 7 Paralympic gold medals [18 medals in total] since making her International debut as a swimmer at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona. Her first games after changing sports to a cyclist resulted in a double gold medal win at Beijing in September 2008!
The official opening marked the completion of a 200 000 development at the centre which includes the 40+ station gym, refurbishment to the dry changing area and also a brand new function suite.
Sarah and Barney with our studio cycle instructor Chris.
lakes leisure Kendal is one of the only facilities in the area which is a recognised Olympic accredited venue meaning standards are high enough to accommodate the training of professional athletes. Sarah Storey commented on the exciting facilities and impressive range of aerobic equipment on offer at Fitzone and encouraged the local community to come and take advantage of the not just the gym but the 25m swimming pool as well.
The gym is also IFI accredited (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) with new equipment to facilitate disabled gym users as well as fully qualified staff who are on hand with all the help and advice you need to get started regardless of your age or ability.
Barney and Sarah also tested the studio cycle bikes at the centre before touring the building and signing autographs for local school children who had been invited to the opening. The pair brought their latest four gold medals and allowed guests at the opening to hold them and pose for photos.
Chief Executive Dave Ronald was delighted with the occasion:
To have Sarah and Barney open the fantastic new gym extension was a great experience. Their achievements at Beijing are inspirational which is why we chose them to visit Fitzone. The gym has state of the art equipment for all abilities, and we look forward to welcoming the local community into such an impressive facility
To celebrate the new gym prices have been lowered to 29.00 per month for unlimited gym and swim on a 12 month direct debit deal.
Fitzone is open daily from 7.00am until 10.00pm; with such a great fitness facility in the area there really is no excuse for putting off that New Years resolution! For more details call reception on 01539 729777 or visit the website www.lakesleisure.org.uk
