The RAF’s 78 Squadron at Swanwick have recently formed their very own cycle club thanks to a grant from the RAF Central Fund to purchase ten new Carrera road bikes. The new bikes, alongside the refurbishment of five old squadron bikes, means the club now has a fleet of 15 which personnel on Station can loan over a three-week period. The Club’s vision is to make cycling more appealing and accessible to a wider audience which in turn aligns itself to the Central Fund’s mission to enable serving personnel to access sporting opportunities and physical activities at all levels.
As well as encouraging personnel on Station to use two wheels as a form of exercise, the bikes will also be used for Force Development on the Isle of Wight and in Wales. The bikes have already been used for this purpose with members of 78 Cycle Club recently having their first venture around the Isle of Wight.
I would like to pass my thanks on to the RAF Central Fund. The process was very well supported throughout, and the reward has been amazing!
Project Officer for 78 Cycle Club, Sergeant Steve Barrett, said: “As the Project Officer responsible for establishing the Club and setting up the new bikes, I would like to pass my thanks on to the RAF Central Fund. The process was very well supported throughout, and the reward has been amazing! The grant has given the military team at Swanwick a different way to maintain fitness and explore the sunny south coast.”
The RAF Central Fund’s Enrichment Grants Programme supports personnel on a larger scale, awarding bids to stations and units to benefit the maximum number of personnel. If you have been inspired by the squadron club support we have provided Swanwick and feel your Station would benefit from Central Fund support to help with a new or existing sports club then you can find out more here.
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