Today, Monday 22 January 2017, the Commandant of the College, LtGen Chris Whitecross, inaugurated the renovated gym of the NDC with a brief ceremony in the presence of Flag Officers and Staff.
The Commandant thanked the Director of Management, the Italian logistics branch, the construction company director and the architect responsible for the renovation, which took just over a month.
In addition, General Whitecross stressed the importance of physical fitness for both civilian and military members of the College community: sport activities are definitely encouraged by the leadership in order to sustain the physical and psychological demands of the workplace, as well as for general good health.
Health and fitness are issues of particular concern for NATO. From its inception, the Alliance recognized the importance of a well-trained and educated workforce. The first NATO Project on Physical fitness was started in 1969 through an Anglo-Dutch-Norwegian cooperation programme (ANNCP). The findings from this first instance of cooperation in physical education were later used in a Research Study, which identified the physical requirements for military fitness, how to measure the ideal amount and type of training to maintain the required level of physical fitness to sustain military operations. Today, the same standards are incorporated into Military Committee decisions 326/2, 0551 and AJP-4.
The revamped sports facility with its new locker rooms and showers can be used by Course Members, their families and staff. It includes apparatus for cardiovascular fitness, different kinds of weights and specific pieces of equipment such as treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Paolo Cazzini ITA C and LtCol Camillo della NEBBIA ITA A)
NATO Defense College