Local gym owner Barry Peacock has been recognised in this year’s Provost’s Community Champion Awards, named Sports Champion for his dedication to helping others on their fitness journeys.
Barry, who lives in Kirkintilloch and runs his gym in Bishopbriggs, was nominated for the work he does, free of charge, to help people aged 60+ get fit and keep active. He welcomes a group to the gym each week and coaches them in the basics then supports them to challenge themselves, contributing to improvements in their health and wellbeing.
In addition he coaches a local football team (Torrance 2012s) in his own time, helping youngsters to reach their potential by developing and tailoring plans each week to improve their overall fitness. As a result, the young players have improved both physically and mentally, learning skills and habits for a healthy lifestyle.
Provost Gillian Renwick, said, “Barry is a worthy winner of the Sports Champion Award and an excellent example of what the Awards stand for. He is personally dedicated to health and fitness but shares his time, talent and skills to help others in his local community who benefit from his expertise and encouragement.
“The people who attend his seniors class are inspired by Barry to stay active and work on their fitness. The class brings them together in a supportive environment and is the highlight of the week for many of them. Likewise the young people he works with are becoming better athletes and developing positive attitudes to take with them into later life.
“It was a pleasure for the Depute Provost and I to meet Barry, learn more about his work and thank him for his contribution to his local community. I hope this Award lets him know how much he is appreciated by the people whose lives he has helped improve.”
Barry said, “I love what I do and enjoy watching people take on challenges and progress in their fitness when they didn’t think they could achieve their goals. Seeing the improvements in those who come along is really rewarding and it’s great to watch them get stronger, healthier and happier as a result. I’m delighted to be able to help them and the football team whenever I can and show that age is no barrier to fitness.
“I was really surprised to learn that I’d been nominated for a Provost’s Award and am very proud to have won.”
