Iasis - the fitness centre for people with a disability located within Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija complex in Marsascala - was officially opened yesterday after having been extended and refurbished.

Iasis, one of the largest fitness centres in the southern part of the island, has its own clinic, which includes physiotherapy, massage, and aromatherapy facilities.

It has the largest hydro pool in Malta, a hydrotherapy, 25-metre-long indoor pool, with fresh water, heated at 32°C.

The centre is the only fully accessible and integrated health and fitness facility in Malta. It has ramps in and out of the pool, a chairlift for transfer in and out of pool, wheelchair treadmills and integrated fitness equipment that easily transforms itself to allow wheelchair access for upper body strengthening.

To maintain its identity and objective in providing all services for free to people with disability, and attracting no fewer than 15,000 visits every year, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija manages to generate part of the necessary funds by opening the Iasis centre to the public.

Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija's chief executive officer Nathan Farrugia said health and fitness not only strengthened the body but the mind and spirit too.