LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Charlie Jurd and Lisa Kirry feel the benefit of exercise at the Sports Super Centre.
WHEN you make a wish, what do you wish for? Many people will stick to two of the best – health and happiness.
Lisa Kirry and Charlie Jurd are two young Gold Coasters who made that classic wish and it’s coming true for them.
In the year of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, they are now wanting to spread the word, working to encourage other local children to follow their lead and embrace exercise and healthy eating.
Lisa, 16, and Charlie, 13, are well-known faces at one of Queensland’s most popular sport and recreation facilities – the Sports Super Centre at Runaway Bay. Lisa’s association with the centre goes way back – she was one of the first youngsters to play at the childminding area Froggies, went through the Junior Fitness program, works out at the gym with her family, and is now a part-time receptionist at the centre. Charlie is a junior triathlete with the local Team T-Rex Triathlon Club, and has been a member of the centre for four years.
While most Sports Super Centre members fall into the “mature adult” category, Lisa and Charlie are hoping the new gym will attract a new breed of younger gym junkies.
A recent $5 million investment from the State Government is transforming the centre just in time for the Commonwealth Games, which included a refurbished track and field facility and a new competition hockey pitch.
Athletes from around the world will soon descend on the centre, training for the Games.
Athletics Australia’s entire team will be using the Sports Super Centre’s track and field stadium exclusively during the Games, in addition to hockey, beach volleyball, and triathlon and para-triathlon athletes from many Commonwealth nations.
The original open-air gym will soon be upgraded into a world-class facility, filled with cutting-edge cardio equipment, cable machines, free weights, pin-loaded weight machines, plate machines, racks and weight platforms, and an athletic rig.
“I believe the new gym is an excellent opportunity for young adults to become fit and healthy, and get the most out of this amazing facility,” said Lisa, who is in her final year at Coombabah State High School.
“Personally, I will definitely be recommending the Sports Super Centre to my peers, and I am incredibly excited to see the new gym.
“Having a healthy diet and exercising is of utmost importance, especially in a student’s life, as it keeps the body awake and in top condition, which is necessary when one wishes to bring out their best work.
“By exercising routinely and eating well, you will feel more awake and have the ability to concentrate more in class, as you are getting the necessary food groups. Many young adults do not prioritise such things as exercise and diet in an already busy schedule, but with good time management, it can be done, and your body and grades will thank you a million times for it.”
Charlie, who is in grade
9 at Trinity Lutheran College, is already in training to achieve his ultimate goal – a spot in the next Australian Olympic or Commonwealth Games triathlon team.
“Being involved in sport is so good for young people. I believe it keeps me organised, more focused and also most importantly it’s good for my health,” said Charlie, who trains at the centre several times a week, sometimes twice a day.
“I think you need to be both fit and healthy. Exercising and keeping fit is so great, but if you don’t eat well it’s not going to help your body, especially when you are exercising. It’s all about the balance.”
Sports Super Centre managing director Brendan Flynn said he hoped such a significant upgrade would attract people from across the city and encourage more schools and sporting groups from around Queensland to choose the centre for their camps and training sessions.
“Our centre is an official training venue for the Commonwealth Games and with more than $5 million being invested into the facilities ahead of the event, we are hosting local, state, national and international teams and athletes for a broad variety of sports,” said Brendan, who has been in the national and international sporting industry for more than 30 years.
“And while it is so important for our elite athletes to have a great place to train, I genuinely hope this upgrade will have a positive impact on the health and fitness levels of our local community.
“According to recent statistics, there are around 259,000 children and 2.3 million adults in Queensland who are overweight or obese. This is impacting 26 per cent of our children and 64 per cent of adults.”
To celebrate the gym’s launch, the entire community will have free access to the Sports Super Centre – including all group classes and pool access – on Saturday, March 17 from 6am to 4pm.
The standard joining fee of $129 will be waived for anyone who joins on the day.
Everyone who attends will also be offered a free five-day pass valued at $50.