2006 'Commit to Get Fit' winners announced

The outstanding achievements of the NHS and Department of Health supported Commit to Get Fit 2006 participants were celebrated at the awards dinner, held on 26 October in London.

The campaign, run by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) and sponsored by BUPA, saw over 600 health clubs and leisure centres compete for the coveted awards which recognised those clubs and leisure centres which embraced Europe's leading fitness campaign and excelled in a wide range of areas from enrolments and membership sales to fundraising.

This year's winners, who were celebrated in the company of Chelsea FC and England football hero Joe Cole were:

Highest Number of Enrolments, sponsored by thinkOTB

Club Under 1,000 members: Lifestyle Health & Leisure Club, Portsmouth
Club Over 1,000 members: Y Club, Manchester
Leisure Centre: Harrow Leisure Centre, Harrow (Leisure Connection)

Full Membership Sales During the Campaign, sponsored by Leisure Finance

Club Under 1,000 members: Lifestyle Health and Leisure Club, Portsmouth
Club Over 1,000 members: Central YMCA Club, London
Leisure Centre: Harrow Leisure Centre, Harrow (Leisure Connection)

Most Money Raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, sponsored by Promotions81

Club Under 1,000 members: Lifestyle Health and Leisure Club Portsmouth £904
Club Over 1,000 members: Y Club, Manchester £7,820
Leisure Centre: Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate (Thanet Leisureforce) £4,557

Most Innovative Challenge, sponsored by YMCA Fit

Thanet Leisureforce: for completing a gruelling 74 miles cycle ride from the FIA office in Southwark, London to Margate. The team received £2,000 worth of training vouchers from YMCA Fit.

FIA Award for Excellence, sponsored by BUPA

White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon: for demonstrating excellence through the detail and clarity of their campaign planning and delivery. All aspects of the campaign were thoroughly considered including marketing, event management and staff briefing. White Horse Leisure Centre was responsible for running an extremely professional campaign.

Joe Cole accepted a cheque for £45,000 on behalf of The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. To date the campaign has raised over £1.25m for charity.

Commenting for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Cole said: 'Physical activity is vital for anyone suffering from cystic fibrosis as it keeps the lungs free from the thick, sticky mucus that obstructs the airways and results in chronic infections in the lungs. This terrible disease claims the lives of three people a week in the UK and the average life expectancy is currently only 31. This vital money raised by Commit to Get Fit 2006 will help us keep young people with cystic fibrosis fitter for longer while we strive to find a cure.'

Andree Deane, chief executive of the FIA said: 'As the FIA's primary consumer campaign, Commit to Get Fit plays an integral role in the FIA's goal of getting more people, more active more often. This year's award winners have achieved something truly exceptional. Their efforts not only promote their businesses in the short term but also demonstrate our industry's potential to unite and make a difference to over 60,000 people's quality of life and at the same time raise significant funds for charity.'

Source: Fitness Industry Association