The gyms act as community hubs and will be used by a wide range of clubs, schools and community groups. As part of the programme, Ulster Rugby has facilitated young people gaining accredited fitness qualifications to ensure the facilities have long-term sustainability.
The video below shows how the initiative has supported the communities in Colin Glen Trust, West Belfast and Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim.
IRFU (Ulster Branch) President, John Kinnear, commented: “This is a fantastic project. One of our primary organisational goals is to improve health and wellbeing among all age groups and I believe the installation of gym equipment at these sites is a great way to achieve that.
“Our community gym initiative will see the refurbishment of 15 gyms in total across the Province and is a key aspect of our plans to increase opportunities for people to engage with fitness and rugby sessions. There is great potential to grow the game across Ulster and building relationships with communities will only strengthen our position to do that.
“I’d like to thank the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for their continued support in helping us expand rugby in both traditional and non-traditional areas."
The project was funded to the tune of £340,000 by DCAL through the 'Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport' programme.