Golden girl Keely Hodgkinson MBE and fellow hometown heroes Leigh Leopards are inspiring the next generation at Leigh Leisure Centre.
Olympic champion Keely and the Leopards’ trophy-winning men’s and women’s teams both take pride of place in the Be Well facility’s new-look gym – alongside promising rising athletes who hope to emulate their success.
The ‘Our Future Stars’ wall will showcase those who, like Atherton-born Hodgkinson, have been supported by Wigan Council’s Believe Talent Fund.
Councillor Danny Fletcher, lead member for public health and leisure, said: “We don’t just invest in our facilities but in our people too – and as part of our new gym at Leigh Leisure Centre we wanted to show just how much amazing talent and potential there is here in our borough.
“We always punch well above our weight when it comes to sporting success, like the Leopards winning at Wembley and Keely’s amazing gold medal win at Paris 2024, so it’s only right and proper that we shout about it!
“Those featured on the ‘Our Future Stars’ wall have already done some amazing things in their own right, and we want them to know we’re right behind them as they carry on chasing their dreams.”
Among the first to be spotlighted are Wigan Harriers shot putter Yasmin Baker, Nathaniel Eames of Mid Lancs BMX Club, and Sale Harriers hurdler Thierry Kerr.
Yasmin, who has just been picked to represent England at an international event in Sweden, said: “It was quite cool seeing myself on the wall! When we walked in the gym and I saw it, I was like ‘oh my God, is that me?’ And then when I saw it was next to Keely, it was awesome!”
Thierry said: “It feels really good to see myself up there, because I’ve been working hard and training hard.”
Nathaniel said: “I’m proud of it, seeing myself next to Keely and the Leopards. In the future I want to go to the Olympics and win a gold medal, and it’s good knowing that people think I’m going to be there one day.
“The Believe Talent Fund has helped me buy new equipment, travel around the UK to compete, and hopefully it can help me get to the 2025 world championships in Copenhagen.”
Others set to be featured soon include Wigan BEST swimmer Amber Forkgen and rugby league prospects Madison Brooks, Neve Mulcrow and Libby Wall, three local girls and Leopards fans who are currently forging their own path with the Wigan Warriors and England academies.
All seven were given a special tour of the revamped gym along with their families, to see the Our Future Stars wall in person.
Leigh Leisure Centre is the second Be Well facility to benefit from major investment in recent months, hot on the heels of a similar renovation at Howe Bridge last summer.
The gym space and group exercise studios have been refreshed, and brand-new state-of-the-art Technogym equipment has arrived along with new health check and body composition technology to help residents chart their progress on their wellness journey.
A new Be Well website and app has also made it easier to find and book both free and paid-for activities, while new fast check-in systems have been installed for customer convenience.
And in a further boost, locals can currently get two months half price on a leisure centre membership using code ‘BeWellLeigh’ on the Be Well website (external link).
Councillor Fletcher added: “Being active is so important for our bodies and minds, and Be Well is creating spaces where absolutely everybody – not just fitness fanatics – can move more and enjoy a whole range of activities to support their health and wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, applications for the next round of grants from the Believe Talent Fund are open until 31 January 2025.
Up to £500 is available to support promising athletes with travel, accommodation, competition/training fees and equipment. Find out more on the Be Well website (external link).
