A WEYMOUTH gym has given its backing to grassroots sport by becoming the main sponsor of the town’s basketball club’s first team.

Without a true Olympic legacy, the local business community have stepped up their efforts to help basketball in the borough.

And Mission Fitness on Dorchester Road has taken the initiative, forming an agreement with Weymouth Basketball Club to be chief backer of the newly-named Weymouth Mission Fitness Bandits.

“Mark Kinder contacted me a few weeks ago and we discussed a potential partnership and how Mission Fitness could assist and benefit from the partnership,” said Alex Fuhrmann, Weymouth Basketball Club development officer.

“Mark was very keen to maintain a sporting presence with Mission Fitness and with our increased membership and popularity they seemed like a great fit.

“We are happy with how the club could develop in the coming years alongside the community.

“With the added exposure and the benefits of social media, it’s a great time to be involved and highlights how closely the Weymouth and Portland community can work together.”

Mission Fitness director Kinder added: “Mission Fitness Gym is thrilled to be sponsoring the Weymouth Bandits, now known as Weymouth Mission Fitness Bandits for the coming season.

“Having a family member within the club (junior Jake Kinder) and having played myself while attending secondary school, it seemed the perfect fit.

“As an addition to the partnership, we hope to offer strength and conditioning options for players within the team and club.”

Anyone interested in any aspects of fitness and health can visit Mission Fitness on Dorchester Road, while those who would like to help the club or start playing basketball should go to weymouthbasketball.co.uk