It’s our birthday, join us, share your stories and celebrate
Ravelin Sports Centre is now 1 year old. That’s right our doors have been open for a whole year. For a building that many of us had been waiting for, the realisation last September that we were finally able to open our doors was truly amazing.
We were extremely fond of our previous homes - St. Paul’s Gym and Spinnaker Sports Centre. We created some amazing memories and played our part in many journeys for students, staff, alumni and the public. We now get to continue that work in the ‘Outstanding’ Ravelin Sports Centre.
A lot has happened in a year, we’ve had many visits from people admiring the building, from architects and other universities that want to create something similar for their students. As a result, we’ve been fortunate to be nominated for a number of architectural awards as well as the 2023 International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Public Choice award. We’ve been nominated in the Indoor facilities for sports, leisure and recreation category and you can place your vote for your favourite facility to play your part. Obviously, we don’t want to sway your opinion, but….vote for us.
Ravelin Sports Centre is a truly ‘Outstanding’ building, but it is simply just a building without you, our friends, customers, students, staff, and alumni who bring Ravelin Sports Centre to life.
In the twelve months that we’ve had the privilege of being in Ravelin Sports Centre, we’ve witnessed countless personal triumphs. It’s been a year where seasoned athletes shattered their personal bests and beginners took their first steps towards healthier lives. The rhythmic beat of shoes on the treadmill, the satisfying clang of weights at the end of a set, and the joyous laughter of people in a Zumba class all echo the remarkable progress made within these glass walls. That’s not to mention that first dip in the pool or that agonisingly close hold at the top of the climbing wall followed by the comfortably slow descent and don’t even get us started on the number of victories in our sports hall and squash courts.
Ravelin Sports Centre is truly alive, that is clear simply by walking through the building which is thanks to you. The journey, however, is just beginning and wherever you are on your own journey - we’ll be here for you. We’ve already seen you all post some impressive numbers, from workouts and visits to coffee and cakes we are grateful for the way Ravelin Sports Centre has been forged into your routines.
- 1.6 million mobile app tile opens
- Over 850,000 visits
- 230,000 gym visits
- 148,000 swims
- 67,000 fitness classes completed
- 66,000+ child swims
- 10,000 climbs to the top (some not quite to the top)
- 445 Personal Training sessions
- 9 schools accessing free swimming lessons
- 35,000 cups of coffee have fuelled your day
- Over 10,000 post-workout cookies and muffins consumed
- Over £50,000 raised for charity including Solent Mind, Portsmouth Pride and the QA Hospital Breast Cancer Unit
September and October brought with them all the challenges opening a new building has and add to that a new university term and an increase in the amount of public members coming through our doors. It was challenging to say the least. We hurtled towards December and Christmas as we fast approached our first-ever Christmas period in which we only closed for 3-days - Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. We know the value you place on working out and we’re so pleased to give you those extra days to do so.
March saw Paralympic legend Lauren Steadman MBE officially open Ravelin Sports Centre with a number of athletes, politicians, staff who worked on the project and customers attending the ceremony. Lauren who at the time was a previous student has now returned to complete her PhD developing preventative mental wellbeing practices for Olympians and Paralympians. All those in attendance contributed to our fantastic Ravelin Sports Centre piece of art installed on the first floor. A lasting reminder of the community that brought Ravelin Sports Centre to life.
As the confetti settles and the echoes of celebration subside, Ravelin Sports Centre stands as a testament to your potential and unity. Its inaugural year has been one of remarkable achievements, forging friendships, and fostering healthier lives. As we blow out the first candle of our birthday cake, we acknowledge not just the physical space, but the heart and soul of the community that has brought this vision to life. Happy first birthday, Ravelin Sports Centre - may your future be as bright and inspiring as your first year!
We want to hear your stories, your personal bests - your achievements from the past year. Share your own victories.