A school in the Lake District has celebrated the life and legacy of a Holocaust survivor who went on to become an Olympic weightlifter.
The Lakes School, in Windermere, held the inaugural Sir Ben Helfgott Day on Saturday, November 22, on what would have been his 96th birthday.
More than 150 people of all ages took part in community weightlifting and fitness sessions.
Sir Ben was one of the Windermere Children who was brought to the Lake District after surviving the Holocaust.
He lived on the Calgarth Estate where The Lakes School now stands.
Sir Ben went on to compete in weightlifting for Great Britain at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics.
He also won a bronze medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games and became a British Champion.
Luke Brown, event organiser, said: "Sir Ben Helfgott Day gave our community a chance to come together, celebrate Sir Ben’s incredible life and legacy and create memories that will last a lifetime.
"It reminded us of the resilience, hope and unity he stood for and showed how powerful it can be when a community gathers with purpose.
"Seeing so many people of all ages lifting, learning and supporting one another felt like a fitting tribute to a man who continued to inspire long after his sporting career ended."
Trevor Avery, director of The Lake District Holocaust Project and a personal friend of Sir Ben for over 20 years, reflected on the celebration, saying: "The fact he survived such horrors and deprivation in the camps makes his achievements even more extraordinary.
"Ben’s affection for the Lake District was clear to all who knew him, and that affection continues through his family."
Nathan Helfgott, Sir Ben’s youngest son, said: "We were warmly greeted and joined locals learning weightlifting surrounded by images of dad and the survivors.
"Luke and his colleagues show real commitment to keeping their memory alive.
"On dad’s birthday, I know he would have been happy to see so many new weightlifters."
Michael Helfgott, another of Sir Ben’s sons, said: "Windermere has always meant a great deal to our family.
"It was a joy to return and meet those working to preserve the history of The Boys.
"My father would have been humbled by a community day in his honour and delighted to see the school promoting physical activity for all."
Steve Sharp, British Weightlifting Men’s Elite Coach, added: "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, proving that the fire and strength is still very much alive in the community of Windermere.
"My only hope is that Sir Ben’s legacy continues and we see more potential Olympians come out of the Lakes.
"I caught a glimpse of that potential today and I can proudly say the future’s looking strong."
The day’s sessions took place in The Lakes School sports hall and the Sir Ben Helfgott Strength and Fitness Gym, opened and dedicated to Sir Ben in September 2024.
Participants of all ages enjoyed weightlifting and functional fitness sessions, guided by Team GB coaches and The Academy Programme, developing strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment.
Sixteen-year-old Noah Helfgott, Sir Ben's grandson, said: "I travelled up not knowing what to expect and was warmly welcomed by the school.
"My brother and I joined a group learning weightlifting for the first time and everyone tried very hard.
"It was great speaking to local people who enjoyed the session and were interested in my grandpa and The Boys.
"The community were clearly engaged with the story and legacy."
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