Families turned out in their hundreds at Harrow Leisure Centre on Saturday, 12 September, as more than 1,200 people came along to see the centre’s £1.4 million makeover and enjoy a full day of free activities, from swimming and fitness sessions to children’s entertainment and family fun.
Harrow Online attended the event, which saw BBC Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, better known as Nitro, meeting families and taking part in activities at the newly refurbished centre.
More than 150 people had the opportunity to meet the former Team GB sprinter, with Nitro taking part in a question and answer session during the morning before posing for photographs with visitors.
Later in the day, he headed into the refurbished gym for a 30-minute fitness session involving children and showcased some of the new equipment.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey said: “It’s been such a fun day. It’s all about understanding what you can do at a centre like this, and there have been so many activities to get involved in. We’ve been in the brand-new gym, which is amazing, so come down and check it out!”
Families turn out for community open day
There was plenty happening away from the gym too, with face painting, a bouncy castle, soft play and roller skating among the activities available.
Football freestyler Jamie Knight ran football sessions during the day, while representatives from Harrow School of Shotokan Karate and Maihan Martial Arts Club were also there to meet residents and talk about their clubs.
Other activities included swimming, BodyPump, yoga, Zumba, Pilates and group cycling.
The event was also an opportunity for residents to see the changes made as part of the £1.4 million refurbishment. The improvements include a fully refurbished gym, an expanded ladies-only gym, two larger group exercise studios and a larger group cycling studio.
£1.4m transformation of Harrow Leisure Centre
The refurbishment comes as Everyone Active begins a new 10-year partnership with Harrow Council.
Under the agreement, Everyone Active continues to manage Harrow Leisure Centre, Hatch End Swimming Pool and Bannister Outdoor Sports Centre.
Tiffany Johnson, General Manager at Harrow Leisure Centre, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local people come along and make the most of our Community Open Day, with such a packed programme of activities, there was something for everyone.
“It was amazing to welcome Harry and give local children and families the opportunity to hear about his journey, ask their own questions and meet him in person. It was also great to see families spending the day together and getting involved, and to have the chance for people to see the improvements we’ve made to the centre for themselves.
“We’re really proud of the transformation, and we hope this is just the start for a lot of people.”
Councillor Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “This £1.4 million investment is fantastic news for local residents, and it was brilliant to see so many people turn out to celebrate the newly refurbished Harrow Leisure Centre.
“Facilities like this play such an important role in helping our community stay active and healthy. This transformation, alongside our new 10-year partnership with Everyone Active, shows our continued commitment to providing high-quality leisure services across the borough.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came along on Saturday, and I hope even more residents make the most of what the centre has to offer. If you haven’t already, have a look for yourself to see what the leisure centre offers.”
Aikines-Aryeetey represented Great Britain during his athletics career and is now well known to television viewers as Nitro on BBC’s Gladiators.
He is also Everyone Active’s YOU+ ambassador and has worked with the leisure operator through its Sporting Champions programme.
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