The Lakes School Hosts First-Ever Sir Ben Helfgott Day

British Weight Lifting was proud to partner with The Lakes School, The Academy Programme and The Lake District Holocaust Project for the inaugural Sir Ben Helfgott Day in Windermere on 22 November 2025.

More than 150 participants of all ages came together for community weightlifting and functional fitness sessions, celebrating the remarkable life, resilience and sporting achievements of Sir Ben Helfgott.

Throughout the day, children, young people, families, adults and Legends aged 50+ took part in coached activities delivered by BWL staff and Academy Programme coaches. Sessions took place in both The Lakes School Sports Hall and the Sir Ben Helfgott Strength and Fitness Gym, opened in 2024, where participants enjoyed learning new skills and experiencing the positive impact of sport.

Sir Ben’s legacy shaped the day’s purpose. A survivor of the Piotrkow ghetto, Buchenwald and Theresienstadt, he was one of the Windermere Children who rebuilt their lives on the Calgarth Estate where The Lakes School now stands. On what would have been his 96th birthday, his sons Michael and Nathan and grandsons Reuben and Noah joined the celebration and engaged with the local community as they learned more about Sir Ben’s story.

Reflections on Sir Ben’s extraordinary journey were shared throughout the event. Trevor Avery, Director of The Lake District Holocaust Project, emphasised the significance of his survival and achievements, while Sir Ben’s sons expressed gratitude for the warmth shown by the school and the commitment to honouring their father’s memory.

The day also paid tribute to Sir Ben’s remarkable sporting career, which saw him compete for Great Britain at two Olympic Games, win Bronze at the 1958 Commonwealth Games, become a British Champion and secure three Maccabiah Games Gold medals. British Weight Lifting Men’s Elite Coach Steve Sharp summed up the impact of the celebration, saying, “The day celebrated a man who came from dark beginnings yet became a beacon of light inspiring generations. It was a true privilege to support an event that honoured Sir Ben’s remarkable legacy and engaged with the people of the Lake District. I caught a glimpse of potential future Olympians today and can proudly say the future’s looking strong.”

Sir Ben’s grandsons Noah and Reuben also took part in sessions for the first time, speaking with local residents who were interested in their grandfather and the history of The Boys. They commented on the warmth of the community and the importance of keeping the story alive.

Event organiser Luke Brown reflected on the unity and inspiration felt throughout the day, describing how people of all ages came together to lift, learn and support one another in a tribute that embodied Sir Ben’s spirit of resilience and hope.