The second instalment of the 2020 virtual Australian Fitness Awards took place on Tuesday night, with Campbelltown’s Aquafit club manager, Kristen Green announced as the national winner of the Club Manager of the Year award, sponsored by Australasian Leisure Management.

Held by the nation’s peak fitness industry body, Fitness Australia, the Awards recognise and celebrate individuals, businesses and community groups dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians by providing exceptional programs and high quality professional services.

The annual event is the only national awards program dedicated to the fitness industry and received a record 2,000 nominations across eleven categories for individuals, businesses and community groups.

Club Manager of the Year Award recipient Kristen Green is a highly regarded industry thought leader and has made a significant contribution to the fitness industry for more than 30 years.

With her years of experience and passion for health and fitness, Kristen is a regular international speaker at industry conferences, the current Director of the global association ‘Women in Fitness Association’ (WIFA) and was a Fitness Australia Board member for four years.

In 2018, Kristen’s excellence and professionalism, innovative program offerings, high quality standards for customer care and safety and overall inspiring leadership was recognised internationally when Kristen was the first Australian to be awarded the prestigious IHRSA Woman Leader Award.

Even though Kristen is a highly awarded professional, she said she was surprised to hear her name announced as the winner and she feels very honoured to be named as this year’s Club Manager of the Year.

Kristen said:

“When the initial announcement was made, for that first split second, I had to do a double take before I realised that I was actually the winner! It was such a surprise.”

“I am incredibly honoured to be the inaugural recipient of this award. It is humbling to be recognised by experts in your field, as well as by your peers for excellence in leadership and commitment to community service within the fitness industry.”

Kristen said that winning this award has given her the opportunity to reflect on her personal achievements and encourage her to continue to achieve her goals.

Kristen said:

“The award in many ways, represents the culmination of skills and experience I have gained over 30 years in the Fitness Industry. I am privileged to work in this industry and be in a position to positively impact the lives of the Aquafit team, members and the broader community.”

“I am fortunate to have forged a long-term career in an industry where I can share my passion with others and make a difference.

“I am committed to Lifelong learning, both as a knowledge seeker, and educator. My goal is to continue the educator path that I have embarked on, through presenting and sharing knowledge at industry conferences globally and wherever opportunities present.”

Fitness Australia CEO, Barrie Elvish, congratulated the Australian Fitness Award winners and said the award recipients’ stories of commitment and excellence were outstanding.

Mr Elvish said:

An expert panel, consisting of a diverse group of industry representatives, conducted a thorough assessment of each finalist across a range of areas including professionalism, customer care, knowledge and skills, safety, and leadership to select the category winners.

The next virtual award ceremony will take place on Thursday May 7 and will announce this year’s Fitness Business of the Year, sponsored by Guild Insurance.

For more information about Fitness Australia, please visit: fitness.org.au/keeponmoving or follow Fitness Australia on Facebook.