Apollo has landed… in Barrington Passage. Scott Symonds opened Apollo Sport and Wellness Centre in August, 2020. It’s been so busy, he’s already planning to further renovate the physical space and grow his team of experts.

Symonds grew up in Woods Harbour and graduated from Barrington High. “I lived and breathed sport when I was growing up,” he says, “and wanted to continue in some way as I got older.” He completed a degree in kinesiology at Dalhousie University, then enrolled in the physiotherapy program. After six years in Halifax, gaining job experience, he and his partner moved home.

While working as a physiotherapist in Yarmouth, Symonds noticed something. “I realized a lot of people in the Barrington area weren’t getting the appropriate treatment because of the travelling distance.” That’s when he knew a clinic in Barrington would work. Then the pandemic hit.

“The downtime during Covid got the wheels turning for me,” Symonds says. “It allowed me to put together a business plan and run it by a few people.” Starting a business didn’t come easy. “Making a business plan isn’t something they teach in physiotherapy school.”

One government office advised Symonds to contact CBDC in Shelburne for help. “What really stood out for me is they don’t just provide the funding, they provide support.” He worked with Development Officer, Ardith Van Buskirk. “She sent me a template and all kinds of resources, and I just chipped away at it. If I got stuck or had questions, she would give me some guidance or a resource.”

With CBDC’s support, Symonds opened Apollo and now offers physiotherapy services, mostly in the area of orthopedics and sports therapy. “We also see clients with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s,” Symonds adds. “Our other therapist specializes in women’s health, and we have an occupational therapist who does medical compression therapy. We also offer off-the-shelf and customized bracings.”

Van Buskirk checks in regularly with Symonds to see how things are going and to talk about the future. “She was with me from the start. With the expansion happening already, we’re talking about how CBDC can help me go forward with that.”

Symonds is passionate about his business. “Promoting physical activity and wellness, I live it, breath it, work it. I believe strongly in living a healthy lifestyle.” Recently, he joined the Nova Scotia Marathon Committee to host a special marathon in Barrington. “Covid ruined plans for last year’s 50th anniversary run, so we’re looking to do it this year.”

The Barrington Marathon is in July. In such uncertain times, Symonds will be over the moon if they can get it off the ground as successfully as Apollo.

Written by Darcy Rhyno

March 23, 2021