Gymnasium celebrates 20-year milestone

WHAT began as a gymnasium in a shed at the back of the Eaglehawk YMCA has gone from strength to strength.The team at the Bendigo Leisure Centre YMCA in Eaglehawk this week marked the 20th anniversary of the gym opening.Among those joining in the celebrations were powerlifting stars John Clow, Helen Kostadinos and Bob Parker, and long-time members Robert Ball and Leslie Berry.The gym’s longest-serving member, Robert Ball was presented with six-months’ free membership to mark the occasion.A key player in the formation of the gym two decades ago was John Clow.A powerlifing competitor since 1965, Clow was on the lookout for a training base in the late 1980s.“I approached the Eaglehawk Ys Men’s Club about some space for a gym,’’ Clow recalled.“There was a little shed that we fitted out with weights, put in new carpet and painted the walls.“At that time there were between 30 and 40 training in the gym.“It’s amazing to see how the Bendigo Leisure Centre has grown over the years,’’ Clow said of what has become an extremely popular place to train.“It’s fantastic to see the amount and quality of equipment, and to see people of all ages and fitness levels using the health club.“It’s fantastic for the YMCA and the community.’’There has always been a strong link between the YMCA and the Victorian Drug-Free Powerlifing Association.“The 1991 world championships were held here in Eaglehawk.’’Since then competitors from across the globe have competed in world titles showdowns at the Strathdale Hall in Crook Street.“The YMCA has provided various venues it runs for our state and national championships as well.’’Clow has spent many hours preparing for the upcoming world titles to be held in the United States.It will be his fifth world titles campaign, along with Bob Parker when they compete in the masters sections.Over the years the gymnasium at the Bendigo Leisure Centre has become a hub for all sorts of sporting teams and members of the community to work out all-year round and overlook nearby Lake Neangar and surrounds.Just days before the 20th birthday, the YMCA completed a refurbishment of the gym at the Bendigo Leisure Centre.The YM is celebrating its 100th year in Bendigo and it continues to run many and varied fitness programs at sites across the city.Hours of operation at the Bendigo Leisure Centre in Napier Street, Eaglehawk are 6am to 8.30pm on Monday to Friday, and 8.45am to 6pm on Saturday.On Sunday the health club is open from 9am until 2pm, and the pool between 9am and 6pm.For details about Bendigo YM membership, phone 5446 9222.