Page 43 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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Together, developing and encouraging safe practises creating a cohesive tri service fitness community is fast becoming a growing success coupled with the road cycling and swimming teams who are now producing fantastic results it is clear that the Bn’s appetite for fitness and sport is at a high. In addition to the Lion’s gym improved facilities, I have introduced a barbell lifting class with the intention of delivering technical coaching and looking to the future delivering British weight lifting qualifications.
Opportunities for adventurous training here on the island are abundant and with a JSAT Centre on the door step it allows all ranks to participate in Sub Aqua, sailing, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, sky diving just to name a few and as you will understand, the Bn have taken full advantage of.
Everyone has also taken advantage of seeing the local sights from swimming round Cape Greco, sunbathing on Nissi Beach, going on the yellow submarine in Ayia Napa, visiting the Tombs of the Kings, looking at the legendary rock “Petra tou Romiou”. Skiing and snow shoeing on Mt Olympus in Troodos to wearing flip flops in the evening and enjoying a souvla BBQ.
I can honestly say that my time with the 1 PWRR has been challenging but very enjoyable and with the Bn’s ever growing FOE, multitude other training exercises and supporting tasks I look forward to the remainder of my post and what the Bn and Cyprus has to offer.
SSgt Johnston, receiving the CBF Cup 2020
JOINT SERVICE SIGNAL UNIT (JSSU) – CYPRUS
SSgt (SSI) E Jallow RAPTC
The JSSU – Cyprus gym comprises of three staff, two of whom are new in post. Steering the ship is SSgt (SSI) E Jallow RAPTC, supported by an RAF ERI, Sgt S Pugh who is starting her 3rd year in post and Cpl K. Rai RLC. We would like to take this opportunity to thank WO2 Cocker and WO2 Green for holding the fort briefly before the arrival of SSgt (SSI) Jallow and Cpl Rai.
SSgt (SSI) Jallow RAPTC and Cpl Rai
With some staff only in post for 3 months JSSU Cyprus has been a demanding but successful start. During this brief timeframe the gym has provided daily lessons, fitness training and testing for, Navy, Army and RAF personnel. The gym also hosted a British Forces Cyprus (BFC) cross country competition, CO’s Cup. In addition to this, the gym staff ensured the Unit competed in all sports at the recent BFC Festival of Sports competition, which resulted in the Unit placing 2nd overall, an outstanding achievement considering the size of the Unit. As this article is penned, the team are busy planning to host BFC British Army Warrior Fitness event.
At JSSU Cyprus we pride ourselves on the most inclusive physical trg programme, catering for all abilities. Due to the tri-service setting, the average age of Unit personnel is approx 38 years and the ultimate objective is to train personnel, reduce MSKI and rehabilitate (via the ERI) injured personnel to accelerate their return to duty and to enhance operational effectiveness. It is also the CO’s intent and direction to have an all-inclusive training programme that factors in dependants and partners. So, what does JSSU Cyprus offer in addition to its operational role and is unique in the training programme? We also offer Yoga, Spinning, high intensity Zumba, swimming and partners PT sessions.
Despite the busy working tempo, the gym staff have still managed to represent JSSU Cyprus and their respective Service / Corp in sports: SSgt (SSI) Jallow RAPTC - football, volleyball and cross country, Sgt Pugh - triathlon and cycling for the RAF and Cpl Rai volleyball and BAWF.
In the coming year we anticipate some changes to the gym layout and structure as we procure new equipment which will amplify impact and ensure the gym is at an equivalent level to the rest of the fitness industry.