A Sheffield fitness specialist has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for recognition of his dedication to the health of the local community.
The work of Dave Birds, 41, from Wincobank, is being celebrated in the Future of Fitness Leadership and Management Excellence (Future of FLAME) Awards.
Over the last five years he has helped more than 700 people regain their fitness through schemes founded at the Sheffield International Venues centre, after health conditions have seen their wellbeing deteriorate.
The Future of FLAME Award recognises an individual who has shown remarkable dedication and commitment to the fitness industry.
Dave’s plight for local fitness began when he shed nearly half his own weight at Concord Sports Centre, dropping from 26 stones to 14 stones. He then trained to become a qualified fitness specialist, advanced personal trainer and GP referral consultant at the venue.
During his time at Concord Sports Centre, Dave has founded a Silver Circuits fitness class tailored for the over 50s and the Concord Heart Support Group. He also set up the first non-NHS community based Cardiac rehabilitation scheme.
His biggest success has been the delivery of the centre’s GP Referral Scheme, where doctors prescribe patients with ill health a free 12 week course of one-to-one fitness supervision. Dave devises individual training programmes for patients depending on their fitness levels, ailments and abilities, and it is now considered the biggest external GP Referral Schemes in Sheffield.
Votes from the public are now being taken for the six finalists around the country with sights on the sought after award. Dave said: “I’m so thrilled to be nominated for this award, even more so knowing the efforts that the managers of the venue have gone to in nominating me. It means a lot knowing that people think what I do is worthwhile as I know personally just how important that helping hand can be.”
The Future of FLAME Award is organised by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) who are also behind the FLAME Awards, largely considered the most prestigious awards in the fitness industry. They recognise and applaud excellence and best practice within the health and fitness industry. Hillsborough Leisure Centre, which is also operated by Sheffield International Venues, held the title of Venue of the Year for four consecutive years.
Richard Apps, general manager at Concord Sports Centre, said: “It’s great that Dave has been shortlisted for this award. He, along with the rest of the team, are committed to achieving excellence in our field and to continually exceed our members’ expectations.
“Dave has a fantastic work ethic and is 100 per cent committed to his patients. We’re incredibly proud of his achievements personally and professionally and this nomination is truly deserved. I hope everyone can get behind him by voting for him online.”
To vote for Dave, email flame@fia.org.uk with ‘Dave Birds’ in the subject line by June 11.
