All fun and games as Boris Johnson MP unveils new playground fitness equipment
Boris Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, went back to school today (Friday 17th May) to open up a brand new playground gym in Uxbridge. The outdoor fitness centre - based at local primary school Cowley Saint Laurence C.E and funded by National Lottery players - will encourage pupils, parents and teachers to become more physically active – promoting better health and wellbeing.
The fitness equipment demonstrates to children that exercise does not need to be expensive, indoors or focused on team activities – but rather can be spontaneous and fun. Not only will students of Cowley Saint Laurence School have access to the equipment, but other schools in the local area will also be able to benefit from the new apparatus.
The fitness centre was made possible thanks to a grant of nearly £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
Boris officially opened it with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a cheque presentation to the school, before the apparatus was taken over by eager pupils excited about the new play opportunities at their school.
During the visit, Boris also toured the school, accompanied by David Davies, Head of School at Cowley St Laurence School and Shaun McAuley, Director of Sport, Frays Academy Trust.
Sarah Benioff, Director of England, along with Ella Mizon, Funding Manager for West London, were also on hand from The National Lottery Community Fund and were able to tell Boris that in the last 5 years, his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip had received over £4.6million in National Lottery funding.
Boris Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Cowley Saint Laurence C.E and officially open the school’s brand new fitness equipment. It’s thanks to people playing the National Lottery that this equipment is here in my constituency, increasing opportunities for young people to engage in fitness, improve their physical health and most importantly, have fun!”
Sarah Benioff, Director of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players this new playground equipment will go a long way to supporting local children to improve their health and wellbeing through exercise. We’re delighted Boris was able to officially open this new playground gym and see how it will help the local community thrive.”
Shaun Mcauley, Director of Sport at Frays Academy Trust, said:
“It was fantastic to have Boris Johnson here to open this new gym equipment. This new apparatus will have a hugely positive impact to the wellbeing of local young people, and we’re grateful to National Lottery players for making this a possibility.”