The HMS Excellent Navy Fit Health Fair 2017 got off to a flying start with a 1 mile well-being walk around Whale Island for all personnel and staff members.
Naval Secretary, Rear Admiral Simon Williams kicked off the event with an opening brief to Navy Command Headquarters personnel that led into the 1-Mile well-being walk around Whale Island, led by Petty Officer Physical Trainer Dickie Davidson.
Over 60 personnel both service and civilian, all shapes and sizes from took part and those that completed the walk received free raffle tickets for the prize draw later in the afternoon.
POPT Davidson said “It was great to see such a good turn-out and a mixture of abilities take part.
“The aim of these events is to encourage ‘whole-force’ participation in line with the NAVYfit philosophy; we hope that even more take part next year.”
Walkers were welcomed back to Leach Building to 45 stands ranging from internal organisations such as the Institute of Naval Medicine, RNRM Welfare and Charities, Tri-athlon and Rowing Association to external organisations including the British Heart Foundation, Portsmouth City Council, Well-being Tea and the ESS Smoothie Bike.
Outside the building there was a climbing wall provided by the Hampshire and IOW Cadet Force, a boxing machine set up by core fitness, to aid stress relief and a full size glider to advertise the Royal Navy and Joint Service Gliding Association.
Approximately 400 personnel attend from NCHQ and surrounding units.
The physical challenges proved popular, alongside the Mindfulness provided by Flt Lt Calum Ferguson and the Flexibility MOT offered by Cpl Brook, a Royal Air Force Exercise and Rehabilitation Instructor based at HMS Excellent.
Many also enjoyed a Bowen technique massage, a complimentary service provided at the health fair which proved popular with all.
Head of Naval People Strategy, Angela Pope said “I was so encouraged by the number of exhibitions and stalls with so many staff taking part.
“I have been approached by a number of people around the HQ who have come away from the fair enthused by what they had seen and learnt as well as talking about the small changes they were thinking of making to their lifestyle which would reap benefit to their wellbeing.”
