Local leisure centre in the running for industry award

A local leisure centre is celebrating after being told it is in the running to receive a top industry award.

Stratford Leisure Centre, which is managed by Everyone Active on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, has been shortlisted in the Leisure Centre of the Year category at the 2017 Flame Awards - the health and fitness sector's largest celebration of innovation and excellence.

The centre was revealed as a finalist on Thursday 27 April, and the winners will be announced at an awards night on Wednesday 28 June. Everyone Active has also been shortlisted in the prestigious Leisure Operator of the Year category.

The achievement comes in recognition of the Stratford Leisure Centre's high-quality facilities and commitment to improving health and wellbeing in the local community. Its fitness suite recently underwent a £250,000 refurbishment to ensure customers benefit from the latest industry technology.

Gareth Wagg, Everyone Active's general manager at Stratford Leisure Centre, said: “I am delighted that the centre has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. All our colleagues work hard to deliver fantastic facilities and services, and it's great to have been recognised in this way.

“2017 is a particularly significant year for Everyone Active as we celebrates our 30^th birthday. The contract with Stratford-on-Avon District Council is our longest-established partnership, and it would be brilliant if we could mark the occasion by taking home this accolade."

Everyone Active will be hoping for the same success at this year's event as it enjoyed in 2016, when it took home three awards, including Operator of the Year.

Tony Perks, Head of Technical and Community Services, said: “Stratford-on-Avon District Council is committed to providing high quality leisure facilities for our residents and visitors and we work closely with our partners at Everyone Active to achieve this. It is great to have these efforts recognised by this nomination and we look forward to hearing the results of the final judging."

To find out more about Everyone Active, visit www.everyoneactive.com, or to get more information about Stratford Leisure Centre, call the site on 01789 268826.

Background information

Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports Leisure Management Ltd (SLM), which operates leisure centres in partnership with local councils across England.

SLM was formed in 1987, managing just one leisure centre in the Midlands.

Today, Everyone Active manages more than 140 leisure facilities and cultural services in partnership with 42 different local authorities nationwide. These stretch from the north in Sunderland to Mid Suffolk in the east, Chichester in the south and Plymouth in the south west.

Its growth is due to the ability to deliver well managed leisure facilities and an activity offering which is great value for money. Its aim is to increase the participation of local people in leisure activities and advocates a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise five times per week. www.everyoneactive.com.