Tuesday 9 November, marked the official opening of RNC’s newly refurbished student gym with staff and students gathering, along with invited guests, to celebrate.
John Lynch, RNC’s Director of Learning and Curriculum (Vocational), welcomed everyone to the event, and explained the importance of having a gym at the College:
‘Our gym supports students in developing their skills, in order to work in the active leisure industry’, he said. ‘We have students working on Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications … In addition, the student gym is available to all of our students and many benefit during their placement by using the gym as a means of staying active or supporting them to manage their physical health conditions.’
John gave special thanks to the funders who had contributed to the refurbishment. In particular, guests, Patrick Wrixon representing The Rowlands Trust, Dr Robert Cubbidge representing the Spectacle Makers’ Charity, RNC Sport and Recreation Teacher, Anna Robertson and RNC student, Chris Colbert.
Chris, an accomplished strongman competitor, was then invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the gym. It didn’t take long before the gym was bustling with activity as Sports staff and students demonstrated the equipment.
Dr Robert Cubbidge, a trustee of The Spectacle Makers’ Charity, said:
‘It was wonderful to be invited to RNC to attend a tour of the College and the opening of the new gym for students. The Spectacle Makers’ Charity is pleased that the equipment is well used by students for both their own health and wellbeing and in preparation for future careers.
Patrick Wrixon, a trustee of the Rowlands Trust, echoed Dr Cubbidge’s sentiments, saying:
‘The Trust is absolutely delighted to be a part of the gym development and to be able to provide some money for the kit and to see it in action with the students is just wonderful. Seeing their enthusiasm and their levels of fitness is a treat and we’re delighted to be able to support it.’
Students are taught on non-adapted, industry standard equipment, enabling them to transfer the skills they learn at College, to employment in any gym or fitness setting.
With fitness and exercise an integral part of the College’s sport and recreation programmes, the newly equipped gym now provides the perfect setting for teaching, keeping fit and planning and delivering gym sessions.
The Student Gym was refurbished thanks to the generosity of:
* Garfield Weston Foundation
* Geoff and Fiona Squire Foundation
* The Percy Bilton Charity
* The Rowlands Trust
* Gerald Bentall Charitable Trust
* The Spectacle Makers’ Charity
* N Smith Charitable Settlement
* The Lawson Trust
* The Antelope Trust
* The Ardwick Trust
With thanks also to Chris Colbert, Anna Robertson and Barnards Green Cricket Club, Malvern.
