Olympic stars launch new-look leisure centre

Westgate's new-look leisure centre has been given the thumbs up by Olympic champions.
Alex Danson is pictured with members of the Chichester Westgate Triathlon ClubAlex Danson is pictured with members of the Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club
Alex Danson is pictured with members of the Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club

Families in Chichester have enjoyed a day of sporting fun alongside two Olympic gold medallists to celebrate the refurbishment completion.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Rebecca Adlington, and Rio golden girl, Alex Danson, were on hand to help Everyone Active showcase the £1.5million improvement works that have been carried out to Westgate Leisure Centre. The sports and leisure provider opened the doors to Westgate on Saturday to host a range of free activities and taster sessions for the community, as well as give people the chance to test their sports skills against world-class athletes.

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Visitors stepped up to score a goal against Alex, who found glory in Rio as part of Team GB’s gold medal winning women’s hockey team, while Becky lead a host of activities in the pool. Children on Everyone Active’s swim programme also got the chance to race against Olympians in the water, including bronze medallist Cassie Patten and water polo captain Craig Figes.

Rebecca Adlington is pictured with some young swimmersRebecca Adlington is pictured with some young swimmers
Rebecca Adlington is pictured with some young swimmers

Alex Danson said: “Events like these are fantastic. They open the doors to everyone and encourage people to try the brilliant facilities on offer to them. Our physical health and welling are really important, so to have a leisure centre like this on your doorstep, with a hot yoga studio, cycling suite and fantastic gym, is a big advantage for local people.”

The improvement works have come at the start of a new partnership between Everyone Active and Chichester District Council and include a significantly extended gym area, new hot yoga and group cycling studios, and upgraded café and reception areas.

Stuart Mills, Everyone Active’s contract manager in Chichester, said: “The open day was a fantastic event and we were delighted to be able to give people the chance to see and try the new facilities for themselves. It also gave many people a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete against Olympic athletes, which is something I hope they will remember for a long time.”

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Alex Danson is pictured with some young fansAlex Danson is pictured with some young fans
Alex Danson is pictured with some young fans

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Olympians Rebecca Adlington and Alex Danson with Joshua O'Leary, 13 and his sister Isabelle, nineOlympians Rebecca Adlington and Alex Danson with Joshua O'Leary, 13 and his sister Isabelle, nine
Olympians Rebecca Adlington and Alex Danson with Joshua O'Leary, 13 and his sister Isabelle, nine

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