YMCA Fitness Leadership Conference & Awards 2025: Celebrating Our Fitness Community

What an outstanding wrap! On November 8-9, 2025, over 160 fitness professionals from Calgary and surrounding regions gathered once again for the annual YMCA Fitness Leadership Conference at Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge. This two-day event offered continued professional development through hands-on, fun workshops, and valuable opportunities for peer camaraderie from across the city. Led by industry experts, the participants felt inspired and energized at the end of the event with fresh ideas, new techniques, and continued education, empowering them with tips and tricks to enhance the health, fitness, and wellness experience for our community.

This year, we were proud to host the second annual Fitness Leadership Awards Ceremony to recognize the dedication of our incredible staff, fitness instructors, and trainers who ensure our members and guests remain healthy, happy, and inspired.

If there’s one word to sum up this event, it’s none other than feeling "energized" as Kaia Kjar, our Strategic Lead, Health & Fitness Programs rightly puts it!

Read on for the list of award recipients and a recap of the event!

Fitness Leadership Award Recipients

YMCA Shine On Fitness Leadership Award

(Nominated by you – our members!)

This award honors volunteer instructors who exemplify the YMCA's core values - Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility, through outstanding contributions to their branch and community. Recipients inspire others with their energy and enthusiasm, foster purposeful relationships, and create a culture of inclusivity, demonstrating technical expertise alongside a dedication to building a stronger community for all.

• Sjoert Zuihof (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton)
• Jan Javorcik (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton)
• Karen Hill (Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge)
• Liza Ross (Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge)
• Abish Jasso Gutierrez (Remington YMCA at Quarry Park)
• Hazel Pekdemir (Shawnessy YMCA)
• Inderjit Jaswal Kaur (Saddletowne YMCA)
• Kathy DeGrace (Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot)

YMCA Fitness Volunteer Team Player Award

This award recognizes exceptional volunteers who exhibit a collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to supporting their teammates. Recipients foster a positive and inclusive environment, creating a strong sense of belonging for all, and actively enhance the capabilities of their team through mentorship and support.

• Maggie Jeger (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton)
• Deanna Liou (Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge)
• Lynda Paananen (Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot)
• Jessica Pratt (Remington YMCA at Quarry Park)
• Udoka Chiefe (Saddletowne YMCA)
• Tracey Dousett (Shawnessy YMCA)

YMCA Staff Team Player Award

Presented to staff who demonstrate a strong collaborative spirit and commitment to branch success, these recipients exemplify the essence of teamwork. They foster an inclusive environment, encourage and support peers, and nurture potential within others, thereby inspiring their entire team.

• Charlie Quintero (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton)
• Ashley Nayyar (Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge)
• Christine Ratsoy (Remington YMCA at Quarry Park)
• Alejandro Quintero (Shawnessy YMCA)
• Vishal Kumar (Saddletowne YMCA)
• Dalia Zaya (Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot)

YMCA Personal Training Excellence Award

This distinction is presented to staff who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to member success. Recipients demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, embody YMCA core values, and go above and beyond, particularly in their YFit sessions, and to make fitness accessible and welcoming. They serve as mentors, building lasting relationships that empower clients to achieve their personal fitness goals.

• Kristian Besharati (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton)
• Sarah Skaken (Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge)
• Theresa Plett (Remington YMCA at Quarry Park)
• Paula Alexa (Shawnessy YMCA)
• Wendy Frost (Saddletowne YMCA)
• Darrin Jones (Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot)

Congratulations to all award winners! A sincere appreciation to all our volunteer fitness instructors who participated in the conference and to the members who nominated their favourite leaders.

While not everyone received an award, please know that every single one of our instructors deserves our praise for their dedication to lifting up our community and inspiring us all on our health and wellness journeys. In other words, every one of you are a winner!

A Word of Appreciation

A special thanks to all our guest speakers, Robin O'Grady, Christine Penner, Helen Vanderburg, Jessica Power Cyr, Krista Popowych, Allan Tigley, Tessa Ethier, Geoff Starling, Paul Larmer, Hayley Hollander, Judy Cudrak, Vandana Vora, Michelle Capicio, for taking their precious time to inspire our fitness leaders and join in the fun!

To our proud sponsors, donors, and volunteers, thank you for all your time and contributions, the conference wouldn't be a success without your generosity and kindness.

Last but not least, let's hear a fun take from our incredible fitness leaders about what inspired them most at this conference!

Until then, Shine on!

Click here to learn more about the YMCA Fitness Instructor Community.