Every year, YMCA Calgary hosts our volunteer fitness instructors at the YMCA Fitness Leadership Conference to provide them with continued education, to develop their community and camaraderie, as well as provide them with some inspiration to bring to their next group fitness classes. New this year, we also hosted a YMCA Fitness Leadership Awards Ceremony, where we recognized the fitness volunteers, staff and trainers who go above and beyond every day to help keep our members and guests happy, healthy and inspired.
Here are the 2024 Fitness Leader Award Winners:
Shine On Fitness Leadership Award – nominated by you, our members!
The Shine on Fitness Leadership Award honors individuals who exemplify the spirit of Shine On through their outstanding contributions and commitment to their branch and community. This award recognizes volunteer instructors who inspire others with their energy and enthusiasm, foster purposeful relationships, and create a culture of inclusivity and care. By developing themselves and those around them, these exceptional individuals demonstrate technical expertise and a dedication to building a stronger community for all. Their impact resonates deeply, making them invaluable assets to the YMCA and the broader community where they demonstrate our core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility in everything they do.
Olga Crijanovschi, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Thuy Vu, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Gwen Russell, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Aphrodit Espanioli, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Janet Kurka, Saddletowne YMCA
Ken Longeway, Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot
Abish Jasso, Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
Carolyn Kutney, Shawnessy YMCA
Rob Fleming, YMCA Calgary
Fitness Volunteer Team Player Award
The Volunteer Team Player Award honors exceptional volunteers with a collaborative spirit who exhibit an unwavering dedication to supporting their teammates and contributing to the success of their branch. Recipients of this ward exemplify the essence of teamwork by fostering a positive and inclusive environment, encouraging and supporting their peers to create a sense of belonging for all. Their ability to recognize and nurture their potential within others enhances the capabilities of their team and inspires those around them.
Jane Tulk, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Tonya Vinje, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Cindy Giesbrecht, Saddletowne YMCA
Wendy Hahn, Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot
Tracey Hyde, Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
Lisa Coultry, Shawnessy YMCA
Staff Team Player Award
The Staff Team Player Award honors exceptional staff with a collaborative spirit and exhibit an unwavering dedication to supporting their teammates and contributing to the success of their branch. Recipients of this award exemplify the essence of teamwork by fostering a positive and inclusive environment, encouraging and supporting their peers to create a sense of belonging for all. Their ability to recognize and nurture the potential within others enhances the capabilities of their team and inspires those around them.
Christina Szeto, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Helen Mehri, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Vishal Kumar, Saddletowne YMCA
Liz Harriman Crooks, Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot
Marie Young, Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
Kat Yokom, Shawnessy YMCA
YMCA Personal Training Excellence Award
The YMCA Training Excellence Award is presented to staff who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to member success in our community. This award recognizes individuals who not only demonstrate exceptional technical expertise in fitness training but also embody the core values of the YMCA. Recipients of this award go above and beyond in their YThrive sessions to make fitness accessible and welcoming for all. This trainer acts as a mentor to others, empowering fellow staff and members to reach their full potential. Their genuine engagement with clients builds lasting relationships that support the achievement of personal fitness goals, helping those in our community live happier, healthier lives.
Tatiana Galdino, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Kayla Richardson, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Abhijith Rajendran, Saddletowne YMCA
Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot, Darrin Jones
Lisa Rushton, Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
Michelle Capicio, Shawnessy YMCA
Thank you to all of our volunteer fitness instructors for joining us at the Fitness Leadership Conference this year, and to all of our members and group fitness participants who nominated their favourite fitness instructor for an award - we know it was not an easy choice! And while not everyone was recognized with an award, each and every one of our volunteer fitness instructors deserves our praise and gratitude for their dedication to lifting up our community and inspiring us all on our health and wellness journeys.
Click here to learn more about the YMCA Fitness Instructor Community.