The Gym Cardiff begins search FOR UNSUNG HEROES OF SPORT & FITNESS

18/05/2016

Today the search begins for Cardiff’s most inspiring and dedicated sport and fitness role model. Launching its Unsung Heroes of Sport & Fitness Awards, leading low-cost gym operator The Gym Cardiff seeks to recognise incredible individuals in the local community who dedicate their time to inspiring women to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.  A lifelong membership at The Gym could be yours!

The latest research from Sport England reveals that the number of women playing sport and getting active once a week, every week has increased by 148,700 but millions of women and girls continue to be afraid of exercising because of fear of judgement.  At a time when role models could not be more vital, The Gym Cardiff wants to hear from people who are making a difference to the physical health of people in their local communities.

For a second consecutive year, The Gym Cardiff wants to recognise and celebrate those deserving individuals.  It could be a coach at a local sports club, dedicating their free time each week to encourage more women and girls to enjoy their chosen sport or an instructor who has launched a new fitness class empowering more women to take part in exercise and grow in confidence.

Leroy Delve, General Manager of The Gym Cardiff comments: “It’s so important that we start to alter the perception towards females participating in physical activity and how different sports are seen as predominantly male or female. Sport and exercise can be a daunting environment, not only for newcomers but also those women who feel they don’t quite fit the mould or have the confidence to wear the right kit.”

He continues: “As supporters of Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, we have seen female participation in gyms rising but there’s still more to be done and we know how powerful role models can be in providing inspiration to friends and the local community to enjoy fitness. Sometimes all it takes is a little belief and encouragement for someone to adopt a healthier lifestyle, reach their goal weight or enjoy a new sport. This is why we want to recognise the work of our unsung heroes of sport and fitness.”

To enter, simply tell us why you or a friend deserve to win the 2016 Unsung Heroes of Fitness & Sport Award. Please email 150 words to [email protected] explaining why the nomination is so deserving, details of their commitment to female sport and fitness in the local community and the results achieved. Entries must be aged 18 years and over. Nominations must be received by 01/06/16.

Once nominations have been received, you can vote for your regional winner on www.thegymgroup.com from 06/06/16.  Regional winners will receive a year’s free membership at The Gym and a fitness starter kit including a sweat towel, padlock and drinks bottle.  Regional finalists will then go head-to-head for a second public online vote opening on 20/06/16 to decide the national winner of The Gym’s Unsung Hero of 2016 and who will receive a lifelong membership to The Gym of their choice.

To find out more, visit www.thegymgroup.com/unsung-heroes or follow on Twitter @TheGymGroup.