Dublin’s fittest graduates get certified

TWO top sports stars were on hand in Ballymun last month to present certificates to graduates who completed an innovative fitness training programme.

Former World Champion boxer, Bernard Dunne, and two time All-Ireland Senior Football Champion, Philly McMahon, congratulated the students who took part on McMahon’s Kaizen Evolution programme.

The unique programme is a FETAC level 4 course in health related fitness and customer care and the successful graduates are now looking forward to careers in various fitness training jobs.

The students have already experienced four week work tasters in relevant fitness facilities and during Kaizen Evolution they also learned CV and interview skills, sports psychology and strength and conditioning techniques.

The Kaizen Evolution programme was developed by McMahon and is seen as a significant stepping stone in helping students achieve entry into the health and fitness sector.

The students are now prepared to progress to officially recognised level 5 and 6 NQF awards, take up third level education or find work in the fitness industry.

The programme was funded through various stakeholders, both public and private, and led by McMahon. It’s also seen as a local response to the current unemployment crisis that calls for a multiple of complex approaches to help create sustainable employment opportunities.

Student Brian Murphy was full of praise for the programme.

“The course kept my mind focused on a positive thing, the structure I got from putting my head down on the course was unreal,

? he said.

Fellow student, Sinead Neary, added:

“It was a pleasure getting to do the course with such a group of people.

?

During the presentation of certificates both Bernard Dunne and Philly McMahon pointed out the importance of adopting positive choices when choosing life and career paths, and not giving in to the stigma of

“not trying

?.

The view was echoed by course coordinator, Gerard McLoughlin.

“Those who completed the programme did so in a spirit of consistent application of effort, despite the challenges they faced,

? he explained.

“It was a pleasure to work with such a fine group of young individuals from the area.

“Support from local businesses, sports clubs, statutory and non statutory agencies demonstrates the structures of support that exist in addressing unemployment locally.

?

Stakeholders who helped deliver the Kaizen Evolution programme included: Lir Psychological Services; Nan’s SuperValu; BK Strength and Conditioning; Setanta GAA; Ballymun Kickhams; Ben Dunne Gyms; Dublin City Council Leisure Centres; Dublin City University Sport; and Asylum Gym.