Owners of the Mystical Fitness Gym and Nutrition Center Avis and Derreck Bullard are hoping that the recently launched student-athlete program will encourage coaches to include weightlifting in their daily training regimen for their athletes. The new program is designed to build the student-athlete's strength and endurance, as well as regulate their diets. It caters to every Bahamian student-athlete. Sponsorships are also available. Gaege Smith and Desiree Lockhart were the recipients of the six-month free sponsorship to the facility.
Smith, a student of Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy, is a member of the junior boys' national volleyball team and school's basketball squad. Lockhart is a prefect at D.W. Davis Junior High School. She is the leading female athlete on the track and field team. Avis Bullard said: "We launched the program in October, 2012. We saw where the athletes are growing in the country, and how the government has also turned their focus on athletics. This is to help those who want to go further in their athletic career and be at their best. "We are sponsoring two athletes in full, Gaege Smith and Desiree Lockhart.
They received a six-month membership to further their athletic training, that will help them perform at their best in competition. In the program, they will get tips on nutrition to help them to eat properly, strength training, advice on different foods and how to eat properly. This program is open to everyone. We encourage parents who have kids with athletic talents to join and take full advantage of the program. There are several programs at the gym, in particular this one which works with students who are trying to do their best to peak during their performances."
Smith, who was very grateful for the sponsorship, encouraged more of his peers to join the program. He is looking forward to working on his upper body and legs. "I am thankful to be one of the first students to receive the sponsorship," said Smith. "I look forward to using the facilities, especially the weights. I believe this particular program will be a huge success and I would like to encourage all my friends, schoolmates, teammates and family to join the program." According to Avis Bullard, the gym is available to the student-athletes everyday. Personal training sessions will be held three days out of the week. A full body and nutritional assessment will be done once per week. The monthly fee is $45.
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