Team GB Olympian opens Newbury College Gym

Students and staff at Newbury College welcomed former Team GB Sprinter, Mark Richardson, to officially open its new gym and wellbeing facility on Thursday 17 May.

Councillor David Fenn, Mayor of Newbury, joined the Berkshire based athlete to formally cut the ribbon on the new facility, which is supported by Sport England.

Newbury College Sport Maker, Louise Neil, said,

“This new facility has been created to provide all students with the opportunity to participate in physical fitness and wellbeing activities that complement the already extensive programme of sports-based activities we offer through the college enrichment programme.”

Following the official opening of the gym, Mark Richardson gave students an inspirational talk and presentation about his athletic career and achievements. Richardson, along with his teammates Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch and Roger Black, set a world record for the 4 x 400m relay during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and has achieved an impressive two gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals across different solo and team events throughout his career.

Newbury College hopes that the new facility, which has had specially adapted and accessible equipment installed, will be very popular with students of all abilities, engaging both mainstream and high needs students in improving their wellbeing through physical activity.