An astonishing 20 million people have visited the borough’s leisure centres since Ealing Council started its current partnership with provider Everyone Active in 2013 – and last month, one lucky family were given a year’s free membership to mark the occasion.
Izabela Karworwska and her family were delighted when their visit to Northolt Leisure Centre brought the total number of visitors to the landmark number of 20,000,000.
The amazing prize was a year’s worth of swimming lessons and children’s sports courses, a children’s party and access to the new softplay at Northolt Leisure Centre, which opens in July.
Izabela said: “We’re over the moon to have won a family membership to the centre and the other brilliant prizes for the whole family to enjoy. We have never won such a generous prize. We will all benefit from these prizes and the fantastic facilities right across Ealing, including Northolt Leisure Centre.”
Over the last six years, Everyone Active in partnership with the council has improved facilities across the borough. In this period the £19m new build Acton Centre opened its doors and there have been significant refurbishments and upgrades to facilities at Northolt and Dormers Wells leisure centres.
Since 2013 the amount of people learning to swim each week has increased from 4,500 to more than 10,000, and in 2017 the annual Ealing Sports Awards were introduced, which celebrate the contribution and achievements of local athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for finance and leisure said: “I’m delighted to be marking the 20 millionth visit to our fantastic leisure centres since our partnership with Everyone Active began. It shows just how popular and well-used these facilities are and what they are able to offer – from first class swimming pools to great gyms and regular sports classes.
“I’d like to congratulate Izabela and her family, the winners of our amazing competition. I’m sure a year’s worth of swimming and sports for free means they’ll have many more enjoyable visits to our centres in the coming months.
“We remain committed to providing local people with opportunities to take part in a wide range of sports in order to stay active and healthy.”
Everyone Active Regional Contract Manager, Mark Leahy said: “Welcoming our 20 millionth visitor this month is a real testament to the fact we are committed to providing the best facilities and service possible for our customers right across Ealing.”
There are 13 leisure centres across Ealing with a wide range of facilities to help residents stay healthy and active.