A Lake District school has opened a weightlifting gym for its pupils.
The Lakes School, at Trotbeck Bridge, near Windermere, said its strength and fitness gym would be used to transform the lives of young people, fostering key life skills such as resilience, confidence, and empowerment.
The new gym will offer students alternative learning opportunities, including an ASDAN qualification, focusing on skills through functional fitness. Sixth form students will also have the opportunity to complete Level 2 fitness instructor courses.
Luke Brown, project co-ordinator, said: “We are thrilled to open this facility, which will provide life-changing opportunities for our students that broaden horizons and create lifelong memories. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about creating a pathway for personal growth and empowerment.”
It has been created with The Academy Programme, a community interest company based in Worcester and is named after Sir Ben Helfgott MBE, a Holocaust survivor and former resident of the Calgarth Estate, the site of The Lakes School.
Sir Ben was one of 300 Jewish orphans who arrived at the estate in 1945 to rebuild their lives after the war. He went on to become an accomplished weightlifter, competing for Great Britain in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.
He also won three gold medals at the Maccabiah Games in Israel and a bronze medal at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In 2015, Sir Ben planted a tree on the school grounds, grown from an acorn from Auschwitz, as a tribute to those who sought refuge and hope on the estate.
The gym’s opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by guests including Christine Hallatsch, Lakes School alumni and Windermere mayor, former Lakes School PE teacher Steve Field, and alumni and endurance athlete Andy Wilkin.
Former England rugby player Sam Newton, who attended the school and is a strength coach and entrepreneur in Australia, sent in a video message to mark the occasion.
Trevor Avery BEM, gave a talk celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Ben. Trevor was joined by Sir Ben’s son Nathan and grandson Reuben, who shared personal stories of their father and grandfather’s inspiring journey as a Holocaust survivor and his achievements.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of The Academy Programme, Windermere Town Council, Windermere & Ambleside Lions Club, Windermere School Endowment, Ambleside Kirkstone Rotary Club, The Lakes School Community Partnership, M&Y Baker and Mrs L Brown.
