STOCKPORT ARNIES CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF PARA LIFTING

Stockport Arnies, powerlifting and weight training club at Life Leisure Houldsworth in Reddish recently celebrated its 25^th birthday, and a quarter of a century providing excellence in lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Left: L-R Val Cottam MBE Norman Elthorpe Glyn Collier Arnies assistant coach Nicola Hall Life Leisure Duty Manager

Andreas Michaelas, British Weight Lifting Regional Development Officer who is also based at Life Leisure, heard that this fantastic milestone in the club’s history was imminent and along with the team at Life Leisure set about making sure that it didn’t pass unnoticed!

Arnies members were brought together at the recent Para-Powerlifting competition at Houldsworth, by Life Leisure and British Weight Lifting; they had no idea the presentation was for them!

Norman Elthorpe, chief coach and treasurer has been with Arnies since it was set up in 1990, and he was thrilled to accept the honorary plaque and specially branded birthday cake on their behalf which was presented by Val Cottam MBE, trustee of Life Leisure and a great supporter of the club and sport in Stockport. 

Norman commented,

“I had only mentioned in passing that we were about to have our 25^th anniversary and hadn’t a clue that all this was being planned, it was a great surprise, as well as a great honour for Arnies to be acknowledged in this way.   

“Here at Arnies we don’t see the disability, we look at ability, people say I can be a tough coach, but if you are able and want to take part, then you can. Fitness is good for everybody, whether you are able bodied or have disabilities. Our members really benefit from both the exercise and the support we provide. Many club members have gone on to compete successfully at national and international level and we all go and cheer them on!”

This hugely successful club has a long history in the area, most recently based at the Lapwing Centre in Brinnington, before making the move to the dedicated facilities at Life Leisure Houldsworth in Reddish.

Now the club benefits from the purpose built gym kitted out with all the latest equipment including some used in the London 2012 Olympic Games.  Houldsworth is also the home of the British Weight Lifting Training Academy who in partnership with Life Leisure is aiming to increase participation locally in the North West by providing a centre of excellence for the sport.

Chris Scott, General Manager at Life Leisure said,

“We are really pleased to be able to offer our facilities to the club, there is great camaraderie amongst the members of Arnies and everyone here at Houldsworth. When we recently held the Manchester Para-Bench press competition the support was phenomenal, not only amongst the clubs and competitors, but also the supporters and our other gym members who came along to cheer them on. You can really see why this is becoming one of the fastest growing sports.” 

For more information about Arnies, email, norman.elthorpe@ntlworld.com – Visit www.lifeleisure.net or call 0161 443 4090.

Photo caption: L-R Val Cottam MBE (trustee of Life Leisure), Norman Elthorpe (chief coach and treasurer), Glyn Collier (assistant coach), Nicola Hall (Life Leisure duty manager)