Virgin Group CEO Encourages Active Lifestyle at Lavender Hill High

Paul Woolf, Group CEO of the international Virgin Active corporation, visited Lavender Hill High School’s Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) Centre gym on 22 January 2014.

The aim of the visit was to encourage learners to live a healthy lifestyle and make use of the facilities provided. Woolf said: “Since taking up my role, visiting our Future Crew project in Lavender Hill has been one of my highlights. It was so inspiring to spend time with the students and teachers, to see the pride in their school and achievements, and to hear first-hand the impacts that the project has had for them”.

A flagship “Future Crew” gym was established at the school in October 2013. Future Crew is a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and Virgin Active to encourage youth to make positive changes in their lives through exercise. The initiative rests on four pillars: equipment donations; enabling skills education; engagement with suppliers and business staff; and the creation of employment opportunities for young people.

Woolf went on to say: “It reinforces just how powerful a difference can be made when business, community leaders and government come together with a shared aim to give young people access to more opportunities”. The MOD Programme is constantly looking to grow and improve. By enhancing the prospects of our young people and through a partnership with Virgin Active, DCAS is helping to build the future, better together.