Valley Leisure has evidence of tremendous talent being identified and nurtured at the Andover Leisure Centre. A key initiative for unlocking local talent in this area has been the introduction of an annual Fitness Expo in 2013. The Expo is open to members of different age groups and this year saw 30 competitors aged from their early 20s through to their 50s competing in the various disciplines. The event consists of a fitness challenge, body building and power lifting.

Kevin Paterson, Valley Leisure, CEO said: “The Fitness Expo provides a wonderful platform for confidence building and progression for our members.

It has given focus and motivation to hit personal objectives and challenges and building on their experience some have gone on to compete at regional and national level”.

Participants this year in the Fitness Challenge were Kathryn McEwen (Ladies winner) Reece Jemel Lloyd (Mens winner), Perminus Mwangi and Helen Tournier.

Body Builders were winner Ryan Andrews, Adam Rickets, Peter Dusbabel, Michal Kontra, Stacy Derbyshire, Nasser Sallin, Mark Piper, George Piper, Al Darmarin, Kevin Paterson, Ryszard Czarkowski and Chris Yates.

The Powerlifters were for the second year in a row winner Josh Rushton, Ricky Askew, Adam Riman, John Murray, Alex Ridge, Leon Wilson, Richard Lowe, Alin Suciv, Jack Smith, Jay Sturgess and Ben Attmere. The Valley Leisure fitness team helped members with their training such as exercise technique, nutrition and general fitness and since last year the contestants have seen a benefit in overall fitness, strength, general health and wellbeing.

As part of Valley Leisure’s commitment to getting more people more active, the gym and strength gym is being redeveloped this summer and with more than 500,000 visits a year, showing great support from the local community, it has committed to invest £250,000 in new equipment.

Those interested in training for next year’s Expo are welcome to contact the fitness team or call 01264 347100.