YMCA Auckland, one of the oldest organisations in the country and leading provider of fitness, recreation, childcare, accommodation and sports, is continuing its run of successes at the annual New Zealand Fitness Awards after securing five finalist places.
The Fitness Awards, which have been running since 2005, recognise individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s health and wellness through exercise and fitness. Finalists were chosen by a panel of judges, and award winners will be announced at the ceremony on Saturday the 27th of November.
YMCA Auckland’s finalists are:
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Up and Coming Personal Trainer of the Year – Andrew Burge, Lagoon
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Gym Instructor of the Year – Claudia Gallur, Auckland City and Raoul Palu, Albert St
People's Choice Award - Raoul Palu, Albert St
Jo Clark, YMCA Auckland’s General Manager Fitness and Training, says that these nominations reflect the YMCA’s overarching ethos of care and support. “We’ve won the gym instructor of the year award for two years in a row, and this year we have two finalists in this category,” she says. “We’ve also won the membership consultant award two years in a row. These positions are at the core of our service-centred approach to fitness.”
Excellent service is the YMCA’s point of difference from commercial gyms, Clark says. “A lot of new budget gyms are springing up in Auckland, offering a lower fee but without any service. Our approach has always been to maintain our dedication to looking after our members. We offer free support, programmes, updates, and inductions, which are all included in the membership. We also take good care of those who may be a bit nervous or unsure about joining, and lead them through the fitness options that will suit them best. The awards and nominations the YMCA has achieved at the Fitness Awards demonstrate that our approach continues to work.”
In 2009, YMCA Auckland had seven finalists in the Fitness Awards altogether, with one runner up and four going on to win in their categories. To win in several categories again this year would be fantastic.
Nimita Morarji, Serum PR