Olympic legend gets Ipswich businesses Fit for Work

Akabusi, the three-time Olympic medallist and World Champion, talked about the huge cost of poor health to the UK industry and revealed that better fitness helps to achieve a more healthy work balance sheet. "Companies who are serious about improving productivity must focus on improving the general fitness and wellbeing of their staff," he explained, "this will raise not only support a happier and motivated workforce but will also reduce absence of work related to poor health." Akabusi embarked on his athletics career in 1983 and broke David Hemery's long-standing British record in 1990, on his way to medals at European, World and Olympic championships.

The breakfast seminar, which officially launched the Team Ipswich Fit for Work initiative, offered every business attending the opportunity to take part in a Fit for Work calendar of sports events, and to receive free sports vouchers for all staff involved. In addition, five Ipswich businesses are to be selected as Fit for Work 'Trailblazers', with the chance to benefit from £500 cash and hands-on support from Team Ipswich staff to support physical activity interventions for employees. So far, 21 businesses have signed up to get Fit for Work.

For further information about Fit for Work and how your business can get involved, visit: www.teamipswich.com.

Photo: Kriss Akabusi and Karen Pickering with Team Ipswich representatives

Issued by IBC Press Office: 01473 432207