A Lake District school has celebrated the legacy of Holocaust survivor and weightlifter Sir Ben Helfgott.
The Lakes School, at Troutbeck, near Windermere, wanted to mark Sir Ben’s international sporting achievements – competing in the Olympics and winning medals at the Commonwealth and Maccabiah Games.
Sir Ben was one of the 300 Windermere Children, who moved to the Culgaith Estate, where the school now stands.
He rebuilt his life in the Lake District.
On Saturday, the school – in partnership with British Weightlifting, The Academy Programme and The Lake District Holocaust Project, hosted the inaugural Sir Ben Helfgott Day.
It featured community weightlifting and functional fitness sessions with over 150 people, including primary-aged children, secondary-aged students, parent and junior groups, adults and legends aged 50-plus.
It gave people of all ages the chance to get active, try new skills and enjoy hands-on coaching.
Saturday would have been his 96th birthday and the event was attended by Sir Ben’s sons Michael and Nathan and grandsons Reuben and Noah.
Trevor Avery, director of The Lake District Holocaust Project and a friend of Sir Ben for over 20 years, said: “The fact he survived such horrors and deprivation in the camps makes his achievements even more extraordinary.
“Ben’s affection for the Lake District was clear to all who knew him, and that affection continues through his family.”
Nathan, Sir Ben’s youngest son, said, “We were warmly greeted and joined locals learning weightlifting surrounded by images of dad and the survivors. On dad’s birthday, I know he would have been happy to see so many new weightlifters.”
Michael added: “Windermere has always meant a great deal to our family. It was a joy to return and meet those working to preserve the history of The boys. My father would have been humbled by a community day in his honour and delighted to see the school promoting physical activity for all.”
Just 10 years after arriving in the Lake District from the notorious concentration camp of Theresienstadt, Sir Ben competed in weightlifting for Great Britain at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics, won a bronze medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games, became a British Champion and earned three consecutive Maccabiah Games Gold medals.
Luke Brown, event organiser, said: “Sir Ben Helfgott Day gave our community a chance to come together, celebrate Sir Ben’s incredible life and legacy and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“It reminded us of the resilience, hope and unity he stood for and showed how powerful it can be when a community gathers with purpose. Seeing so many people of all ages lifting, learning and supporting one another felt like a fitting tribute to a man who continued to inspire long after his sporting career ended.”
Steve Sharp, British Weightlifting men’s elite coach, added: “The day celebrated a man who came from dark beginnings yet became a beacon of light inspiring generations.
“It was a true privilege to support an event that honoured Sir Ben’s remarkable legacy and engaged with the people of the Lake District, proving that the fire and strength is still very much alive in the community of Windermere.
“My only hope is that Sir Ben’s legacy continues and we see more potential Olympians come out of the Lakes. I caught a glimpse of that potential today and I can proudly say the future’s looking strong.”
The day’s sessions took place in The Lakes School sports hall and the Sir Ben Helfgott Strength and Fitness Gym, opened and dedicated to Sir Ben in September 2024.
