Backside to Trackside runners go ringside for Basildon’s 70th

21 Jun Backside to Trackside runners go ringside for Basildon’s 70th

A group of residents who have signed up to complete a free nine-week fitness initiative to get people active in Basildon, took part in a free boxing class with Holland Park Amateur Boxing Club.

The participants spent an evening with head coach Richard Adams and a team of volunteer coaches, running through several introductory exercises from skipping to punch bag circuits.

Richard added: “We teach discipline, respect and of course how to look after yourself but above all we give them confidence to take away into their lives.

“We’ve had young people down here who have been the victims of bullying and are low in confidence. The change in them after six months is amazing.”

Hana Gunfield, from Basildon signed up to the programme with her husband, said: “We’re at the boxing taster tonight. It’s been really intense, really sweaty and really hot in here. But I feel healthier, I feel better for taking part.”

Everyone Active, Active Basildon and Basildon Council have teamed up to deliver the free fitness programme to celebrate Basildon new town’s 70th birthday.

The nine-week programme has been designed with the team at Basildon Sporting Village to help residents 11 years plus be more active, culminating in a 5k fun run on 13 July.

Over 130 residents have signed up with family, friends and colleagues from across the borough and includes nurses, finance managers and bus drivers.

They have been joined on the track by the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Burton-Sampson, the Mayor said: “Backside to Trackside is a fantastic initiative that has helped some of our residents, including myself, become more active in a friendly and inclusive environment.

“The programme has been designed to not just get people moving, but to give us an opportunity to make sustainable lifelong changes and it’s been great to see families turn up at the track each week.

“The 70th isn’t about parties and cake, we want to create a lasting legacy and will continue to work with our partners to remove the barriers to physical activity and wellbeing in our communities.”

Holland Park Amateur Boxing Club is open six days a week and also run sessions for senior boxers and keep fit classes for adults. The oldest attendee is 84. For more information about the programme visit www.basildon.gov.uk/basildon70