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Stoke Mandeville launches IFI gym
Stoke Mandeville stadium in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, which is owned by WheelPower – the British Wheelchair Sport – and managed by Leisure Connection, has launched a new Inclusive Fitness Initiative gym.
The new facility, part of a £10.2m redevelopment of the existing Harpers Gym site, opened on 4 July and will provide an inclusive setting for both disabled and able-bodied exercisers.
The equipment includes 60 cv stations and resistance machines supplied by Life Fitness.
Roger Draper, chief executive of Sport England, said: “A key objective of Sport England is to increase participation in sport and physical activity at all levels among people of every background and ability.
“We are delighted to see our £5m investment come to fruition in the form of new IFI facilities across the country, which will ensure disabled people are given more opportunities to take part in physical activities and pursue a healthy lifestyle.”
Facilities at the Stoke Mandeville include badminton courts, an athletics track, swimming pool and multi-sports courts.
Tanni Grey-Thomson, a Paralympic gold medallist, said: “I am impressed by the new gym and it befits the home of WheelPower.
“This site deserves to be known as a centre of excellence for disability sport and it is great to see able bodied users working out alongside disabled exercisers.”