A 21-year-old, Bailey-Greetham Clark, is making a significant impact by offering boxing lessons to seniors in care homes, promoting both fitness and enjoyment. His journey began at the age of 17 when he spoke at a day center for adults with educational needs. This experience opened his eyes to the lack of access to sports and fitness for vulnerable populations, prompting him to establish a wellbeing initiative called ‘Be Great Fitness’.
Now, Bailey travels throughout Lincolnshire, England, ensuring that schools, hospitals, community centers, and senior care homes have access to fitness activities. His mission became even more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he recognized the need for joy and physical activity among these groups.
“Sport and exercise cheer people up; we make jokes and have a laugh with everyone, enhancing their day,” he explains. His efforts have led him to conduct fitness classes in 20-30 different care homes, where he guides residents through engaging one-hour sessions that include boxing drills and hand-eye coordination games. Participants don vibrant neon pink, yellow, and green gloves during these activities.
Bailey has gained popularity through heartwarming videos shared on social media, which have garnered numerous views. This exposure has resulted in an overwhelming number of inquiries about his sessions. “My calendar is insane at the moment! We’re working on expanding our team and rolling out sessions nationally,” he shares.
His passion for helping the elderly stems from his own challenging upbringing; after being raised by his grandparents, he developed a strong desire to support older individuals. At 14, after taking a year off school due to personal struggles, he found boxing as a means to improve his fitness and outlook on life.
“Seeing firsthand the genuine impact we make is incredible. We can uplift not just the residents but also the staff,” Bailey notes. He recalls a moment when a care home shared a video expressing their enjoyment of his session, highlighting how one resident even complimented his legs.
Bailey’s commitment to this cause reflects a unique fulfillment that is often absent in other fields. “It’s beautiful and it keeps me going,” he concludes with heartfelt sincerity.