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REPs appoints first Welsh administrator
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) has announced the appointment of John Byers as its first register administrator in Wales.
His appointment was officially announced by minister for Welsh language, culture and sport, Alun Pugh, at SkillsActives’ Welsh Skills Conference.
The new part-time role has been specially created to establish a clear point of entry for professionals in Wales and to develop a Welsh language dimension to REPs’ services.
John, who is 26, will look after and process the registration of REPs’ members in Wales as well as liaising with SkillsActive, Sports Council Wales and the Exercise Council of Wales and other trade and professional associations in the region, to promote the aims of the Register in Wales.
In addition, he will be involved in working towards providing standards for the Welsh fitness industry and encouraging those working within it to show their support for continuing education and excellence by joining.
REPs registrar Cliff Collins said: "It has been our aim for a long time to have a representative in Wales to not only look after our Welsh members but to also help develop the industry in the region.
“John brings us experience both as a manager and as a health instructor and he has a unique understanding of the Welsh fitness industry. I’m confident he will be a great asset to the Register.
“We are delighted to be working with Exercise Council of Wales and SkillsActive at this exciting time and our thanks go the Sports Council for Wales and Welsh Assembly Government for their support in making this happen.”
Exercise Council Wales (ECW) is a newly established organisation that has an important role in bringing together key players involved in the development of exercise and fitness activity in Wales. ECW will work to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to allow the expansion of the exercise and fitness sector in support of the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Climbing Higher’ strategy.
The partnership of ECW and the Welsh arm of the Register of Exercise Professionals will create a one stop shop for exercise professionals and employers that will cater for all their needs.
John joins the Register from Fitness First in Cardiff, where he is currently employed as health and fitness manager. He has a degree in business studies with leisure management and is registered as a level 3 Advanced Instructor with REPs.