Ballygalget GAC opens new health and wellbeing centre

Ballygalget GAC opens new health and wellbeing centre

3 October 2018

RESIDENTS of the Ards Peninsula will be able to enhance their health and wellbeing thanks to the completion of Ballygalget GAC’s state of the art health and wellbeing Centre which was officially opened last Friday. 

The £390,000 flagship facility, which already has attracted 250 members, includes a state-of-the-art gym — The Camán Fitness Suite — with 24 hour access, changing areas, health and wellbeing room and a fitness area for spin and other classes.

The project received grant funding from the Rural Basic Services Scheme of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

It was administered by Ards and North Down Rural Partnership Local Action Group. Funding was also provided by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Welcoming the new facility, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council Richard Smart said the council was “delighted” to have provided financial support towards the project.

“This state-of-the-art facility will improve the quality of provision and sporting experiences for people living within the Borough — something which Ards and North Down Borough Council is wholeheartedly committed to,” he remarked.

Jerome Burns, from DAERA, lead funder of the Health and Wellbeing Centre, said: “The Leader programme, through which this project has been funded, enables local people to determine the needs of their own area and decide how best to address these and this project is an excellent example of how the programme is delivering on the ground. I have every confidence that Ballygalget GAC, with its extensive network of volunteers and dedicated committee members, will make this project a resounding success.”

Paddy Coulter, chairman of Ballygalget GAC said: “As a club we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people and businesses who have rallied behind the project supporting fundraising initiatives such as our Club Lotto and Buy a Brick campaign.

“Without their support and that of our funders, DAERA and Ards and North Down Borough Council this fabulous facility couldn’t have become a reality.

“The club are also extremely grateful to the Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd who provided vital access to finance through their third sector loan fund.

Mr Coulter added: “It is fantastic to see the buzz around the club and so many people joining from surrounding towns.

“Having over 250 members demonstrates that there really was a demand for a facility such as this, which will help our club, parish and surrounding communities to become fitter and healthier for generations to come.”

You can find out more by following The Camán Fitness Suite on Facebook.