A leading north-east sporting facility has further enhanced its management team, with a view to expanding the range of activities on offer to members.
ETKO Sports Academy, which is based in Oldmeldrum, has appointed Dan Griffiths to the newly-created role of Health & Safety/Development Manager. He will be responsible for overseeing health and safety strategy, policies and processes, as well as growing ETKO Sports Academy’s portfolio of fitness classes and activities.
Dan has a strong sporting pedigree and brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. As a junior athlete, he represented his home country of Wales in both gymnastics and rugby before joining the Royal Military Police (RMP) at age 17. He was a physical training instructor for the greater part of his 16-year career with the RMP and was part of the army’s gymnastics display team during a three-year period of service in Germany.
After leaving the RMP in 2014, Dan entered the health and safety industry, working latterly as a health and safety adviser. He also extended his series of sports-related qualifications to span disciplines such as personal training, boxercise, kick boxercise, spinning and kettlebells.
Laura Etko, founder, ETKO Sports Academy said: “As we mark our tenth year in business, we are focused on growing our provision to make exercise as accessible and appealing as possible for people of all ages. Dan’s appointment will be instrumental in helping us to achieve this, as he has the experience, qualifications and drive to add depth and variety to our existing timetable.
“We take the quality of our coaching very seriously. Dan’s military background and sporting credentials are a clear indicator that he shares our commitment to offering our members the highest standard of fitness instruction.”
Commenting on his appointment, Dan Griffiths said: “Fitness has always been a huge part of my life and I get real satisfaction from introducing others to the many benefits of exercise. ETKO Sports Academy’s ethos – to inspire a lifelong love of fitness in members of all ages – sits very well with my own approach.
“Having worked with the team as a volunteer coach, I was delighted to accept the offer of a permanent role and am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Oldmeldrum-based ETKO Sports Academy is currently celebrating its tenth year of sporting provision in the north-east. The organisation was founded in 2008 by former international gymnast Laura Etko and her husband Vio, the current Commonwealth Games wrestling bronze medal holder and seven-time British wrestling champion. Their 22-strong staff team offer a variety of coached sessions, fitness classes and activities for all ages and abilities.
In 2016, ETKO Sports Academy opened a new 1092m² purpose-built gymnastics centre and now welcomes over 1000 children through its doors each week. A fully-equipped adults-only fitness suite also forms part of the facilities, along with a fitness studio offering a variety of group activities and classes. Further information is available at www.etkosportsacademy.o.uk.
ETKO Sports Academy’s fitness suite and studio will host an open weekend on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February. Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour the facilities, learn about the gym equipment, watch demonstrations and gain advice from guest instructors. Free taster sessions can be booked in advance by calling 01651 873876.