University gym receives inspirational makeover

Posted 6 May 2015

The Harper Adams University gym has received an inspirational makeover thanks to student artist, Oli Davenport.

Oli, who studies BSc (Hons) Countryside Management, was hired to paint the motivational quote ‘If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you’ as part of a long term strategy to improve fitness facilities at the university.

Student Services Support Officer for Sports, Societies and Participation, Andy Jefferies, instigated the improvements to the gym. He said: “Since I joined Harper Adams in 2013, we have seen an investment on a huge scale into new equipment, flooring and training to provide qualified supervision for members.

“We are now at the stage where we can begin to improve the aesthetics. With a talented artist like Oli already here on campus, we had all of the tools needed to make these improvements.”

Mr Jefferies chose the quote with aim of encouraging gym users to break out of their comfort zones and push themselves to progress in their athletic endeavours. But, he believes this can be applied beyond the walls of the gym.

He added: “Many students find themselves facing ever increasing workloads and it is incredibly important for them to overcome these challenges and value the experience, knowing they can go above and beyond to achieve academically.

“Keeping an eye on the goal of positive change is something I certainly hope will inspire the students both in and outside of the gym.”

21-year-old Oli from Shifnal, began drawing when he was three-years-old and specialises in freehand portrait sketches. He was recently invited to sketch the stars of Avengers movie Age of Ultron at the Telford regional premiere.

Speaking of the wall art in the gym, Oli said: “I’m really proud to have been recommended by so many fellow students to do this for them.

“As a final year student, it’s great to be able to leave a footprint here at the university and I hope it will be a talking point for years to come.

“It certainly makes the gym brighter and adds personality. I hope it will motivate and encourage gym users to achieve.”

Despite recent improvements, membership of the Harper Adams gym remains less than £15 per month. For more information, visit here.