Foundation Fitness host Open Day for Partners and Friends of The Foundation

On Tuesday 1st March the Foundation opened the doors to it’s new community gym, based at the Eco-Power Stadium. The official opening of Foundation Fitness saw Partners and Friends of the Foundation join the Club Doncaster Foundation team for a tour of the facility followed by light refreshments and a goodie bag to take away. 

(Above- Foundation Fitness Goodie Bags for all attendees)

As one of the only community gyms run across the CCO network, Foundation Fitness boasts state of the art equipment and exercise space for the people of Doncaster. The day saw representatives from organisations and companies across the Doncaster Borough, including Doncaster Council, NHS CCG, Key Fund and Trustee Members.

Rachel, from Key Fund, invested £25,000 into the refurbishment of the facility, and commented, “It is the fact that participants immediately feel part of the family when they are greeted at the door”

“We were able to put our investment into the facility to help you make your difference”

“I chatted to some of the Foundation Fitness members to hear the difference it’s made to them, reaching maginalised groups who are feeling socially isolated… I spoke with one gentlemen and he and his wife have lost 8st between them with the support of the organisation, but they had also benefited from the social element here too.”

Rachel from NHS Doncaster CCG commented, “I’ve had a tour around the building and it’s amazing, very friendly and community minded, it’s just a nice place to be, especially if you do feel intimidated by gyms in general.” 

“We’re really looking forward to working in partnership with the facility to deliver the pre and post natal workshops.”

The day also saw current participants and members of Foundation Fitness, speak with attendees. Bea, who help deliver the LGBTQ+ sessions at the facility as part of the Doncaster Pride committee, said “Coming to a gym, and especially one at a football ground, was something I never thought I would feel comfortable with, but when I met the staff here, I realised how accepting and laidback it is here.” 

“[Foundation Fitness is a] truse safe haven full of genuine equality and inclusion for all, not for the few.” 

(Above- Doncaster Rovers FC First Team Player, Joseph Olowu, doing a Q&A with attendees on the day)

We would like to thank all of our funders who made the refurbishment happen, inclusive of Sport England, Key Fund, Hart Shaw,  Arnold Clark and South Yorkshire Community Foundation. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to get to this stage. 

In line with the opening celebrations, Foundation Fitness will be offering joining offers throughout the entire month of March 2022.