The Valley Leisure Centre, which currently holds the title of Top Regional Leisure Centre, will join Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre and numerous other leisure facilities from across the UK to defend its crown.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has also been announced as a finalist in the 'Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion' category. This recognition showcases the Council's commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our community to ensure that everyone feels supported and included. Through initiatives such as the Live Long programme, Quiet Hour sessions and the recently delivered Inclusive Summer Schemes, the Council offers inclusive programmes that promote equality and engage individuals of all ages and abilities in physical activities.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said:
“I am delighted that two of our outstanding leisure centres have reached the ukactive final. It is also fantastic to be shortlisted for our equality and inclusion practices amongst the best leisure operators across the UK.
“I’m very proud of the staff in our leisure centres, they have been through rigorous tests to reach this stage. These efforts have contributed a high quality service and facilities that cater to the diverse needs of our residents.”
In recent years, both leisure centres have received a significant investment in enhancing their facilities, including the latest golf technology, Toptracer at Ballyearl along with state-of-the-art fitness equipment at both centres.
The finalists for the ukactive Awards include fitness and leisure operators of all sizes, local councils, prominent suppliers, leading universities, sports bodies and charities.
The ukactive Awards ceremony will be held in October in Leeds and is one of the industry’s biggest accolades, recognising the very best in the physical activity sector.