off the street, into the gym
Powering Potential in Liverpool- Ninja style!
As Halloween and Bonfire Night crept closer, the scene was set for a spooktacular fitness frenzy at HC: FIT Liverpool.
In partnership with Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, the fitness space on Birchall Street Liverpool provided three nights of free fun for local young people, getting them off the streets during this traditional time of ‘mischief’. The joint initiative with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust aimed to advance young people’s physical and mental health and well-being, whilst also improving their safety and reducing crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour.
Over three nights, Mischief Night on the 30th of October, Halloween on the 31st of October and Bonfire Night on the 5th of November, HC: FIT opened its doors for free, providing access to sports and exercise facilities and giving young people an outlet and an understanding of how physical activity can benefit their mental health.
The sessions were successful, with over thirty young people aged 13-18 entering the Dojo during the drop-in sessions to make new friends over a slice of pizza and challenge themselves Ninja warrior style.
During the 5:30-9 pm sessions, the participants were put through their paces, taking on exciting obstacle courses that tested their stealth and developed their communication and teamwork skills.
One participant shared of their experience:
“There’s lots of activities for little kids but nothing for our age, nothing that doesn’t cost anyhow. I’ve really enjoyed tonight and would love to come back.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said :
““It was an absolute pleasure to pay a visit to HC:FIT during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night half term period to see for myself the brilliant work they are doing to keep young people engaged and active.
“I was really impressed with the way the young people tackled the obstacle course and it’s fitness sessions like these that help our young people channel their energy in a positive way to enhance their physical and mental well-being.
“Across the week, more than 4000 young people benefitted from activities laid on by organisations across Merseyside which only reaffirms how vital places like HC:FIT really are when it comes to giving youngsters an outlet to enhance and develop skillsets, preventing anti-social behaviour and in doing so keeping or communities safe.”
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The fearless fitness sessions were supported by Ninja Warrior UK Finalist and Olympic Taekwondo Fighter Henry Cookey, along with fellow Dame Kelly Holmes Trust athlete mentors European Skateboarder Neil Danns and World Champion Inline Skater Jenna Downing. Champions in your corner, our athlete mentors stood shoulder to shoulder with young people as they discovered new ways to be active and improve their health and wellbeing.
Reflecting on the sessions, Henry Cookey said:
“The sessions were fantastic it was great to be able to watch young people challenge themselves on the Ninja obstacles, but also learn how to do exercises in the gym such as using weights. The funding has granted young people a perfect induction into health and fitness and an opportunity to discover new ways to improve their physical and mental well-being.”