“The Greatest Show” may well have been the song of choice for one of the participating teams at Friday night’s Saints & Slimmers Finale event but it’s equally applicable to the evening itself. 12 teams came together to celebrate with family and friends at the conclusion of another successful programme.
Held in the wonderful setting of Tullyglass House Hotel the 160+ participants rounded their 7 week challenge off in some style.
Having spent the past 2 months exercising every muscle they have it was time to hit the dance floor and show off their Lip Snyc and dancing skills to over 500 friends, supporters and club members.
With 12 routines in all from LMAO’s Sexy & I Know It through to Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. And that’s just what they did. Each team put on show the final results of their 7 week dance preparation to rapturous applause from those attending. But of course there were also points on offer and champions to be crowned.
First up on the night was the double title of King & Queen of The Biggest Loser competition. 164 competitors waited with bated breath for the overall winners to be announced. Crowned 2020 Queen was Stephanie Vajda while crowned King alongside her was Eugene McGarry.
Then it was on to the Dance winners. The judges had an unenviable task in choosing their winners but choose they did and announced in 1st place was the Flamingo Fitness Forget Me Nots led by team captain, and club Camogie coach, Kathleen Dowds dancing to MC Hammers, “Can’t Touch This”. 2nd place went to the Teamkit Tulips with Rihanna’s “Umbrella” with the Knockdene Healthcare Heathers and their take on the Black Eyed Peas “I’ve Got A Feeling” placed in 3rd.
Celebrations had barely receded when we were introduced to the overall champions of the 7 week programme. A combination of points awarded for attendance, weight loss and team activitiy challenges had brought us to this point.
Deserving winners and Saints & Slimmers Champions 2020 were the Doherty Meats Marigolds led by senior Camog, Catherine O’Melvenna. Announced in 2nd place were the Flamingo Forget Me Nots while in 3rd place were the Teamkit Tulips.
Saints & Slimmers has community at heart and this was very much in evidence during Friday night’s event. Last April two of the club’s juvenile coaches, Ryan & Martha Lemon and their daughters Eve & Orla suffered the loss of their baby son and brother Ollie. In consultation with the family it was agreed that this years Saints & Slimmers charitable efforts should be directed towards a charity of their choice.
The NI Children’s Hospice were the nominated group and on Saturday 8th February team members undertook a day long Spin Cycle Spinathon at the Ballymena Harmony Hub in the centre of town. Thanks to the generosity of the participants, their families and the Ballymena public a grand total of £6433 was revealed and presented to the local Ballymena Hosoice Support Group at the Finale. A fitting way to pay tribute to Ollie’s legacy and bring this year’s programme to a conclusion.
Thanks must go to all of the tutors and support groups who made this year’s programme run so smoothly. They are:
Representatives of the N.I. Childrens Hospice, Mr Gerry McCann and Mrs Muriel Barr receive a cheque for £6433 from the Lemon family and Conor Connolly, Vice Chairman of All Saints GAC
Studio365, Springwell Street
Strengthbox, Raceview Mill
Prime Health & Fitness, Dojo Ballymena
Pure Gym Ballymena
Flamingo Fitness Ballymena
Ballymena Running & Athletic Club
Regan, Nicole & Sarrane – Dance Tutors
St. Brigids PS
St. Patrick’s College
Team Sponsors:
Steele Physio
Prime Health & Fitness
The Sitting Room
Rafferty Property Services
Fitzsimons Opticans
Dojo Ballymena
Teamkit
Knockdene Healthcare
Doherty Meats
Flamingo Fitness
Pizza Parlour
Studio 365
Finale Night Sponsors:
Unite Union
Additional Sponsors:
Connollys Spar Dunclug
McKillops Spar Frys Road
Galgorm Resort & Spa
Tullyglass House Hotel
Saints & Slimmers King and Queen, Stephanie Vagda and Eugene McGarry 