Boston — January 17, 2018 — IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, has announced that three award recipients will be honored during IHRSA 2018, the association’s 37th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show in San Diego, CA, March 21-24, 2018.

  • The Associate Member of the Year Award will be presented on Thursday, March 22 to Myzone.
  • The Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented on Thursday, March 22 to Sisters Athletic Club of Sisters, OR.
  • The Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main will be presented on Friday, March 23 to Kristen Green of Aquafit in South West Sydney, Australia.

Associate Member of the Year

The Associate Member of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an IHRSA Member for their significant contributions to the advancement of the health club industry, as well as their support of IHRSA, its members and its mission through program and event participation, advertising, and sponsorship.

Myzone, a leader in the wearable fitness technology sector, was selected as this year's honoree.

See this news release for more information on the 2018 Associate Member of the Year announcement.

Outstanding Community Service

The Outstanding Community Service Award is presented annually to an IHRSA member that has made a longstanding commitment to making a difference in, and beyond, their community. Sisters Athletic Club, an IHRSA member for more than 17 years, is the recipient of this year’s award.

Tate Metcalf and his staff at Sisters Athletic Club have demonstrated an incredible willingness to open their doors to people in need, be it active military on leave, firefighters battling forest fires, or school athletic teams. The club’s commitment to the local schools, offering free swim lessons to all third graders and supporting the Life Skills program by providing free access, job training, and hiring opportunities to students with special needs, is one that other school districts strive to emulate.

“We are honored to be recognized as the 2018 recipient of the IHRSA Outstanding Community Service Award,” said Tate Metcalf, owner and manager of Sisters Athletic Club. “I appreciate that IHRSA recognizes the big impact a club can make in a small town and I am proud of the influence that our team has had on Sisters, Oregon.”

Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main

IHRSA celebrates the legacy of Julie Main by presenting the Woman Leader Award to a woman who exemplifies what Julie Main stood for: courage, perseverance, excellence, and professionalism. Kristen Green, executive general manager of Aquafit, is this year's honoree.

Kristen Green faced the personal adversity of losing her mother to ALS at a very young age. Despite having little financial and family support, Kristen was determined to be the best version of herself. She pursued her passion for the health and fitness industry, and today is a successful club operator and inspiring leader who serves as a positive role model for her team, her community, and aspiring leaders in the industry.

"I am truly humbled and honored to be the 2018 recipient of IHRSA's Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main, and especially privileged to be the first Australian woman to receive this recognition. It is my hope that through my own story, I can inspire, empower and motivate other women on their own journey to achieve their professional goals,” said Kristen Green.

“On behalf of IHRSA and the entire industry, I commend each of these three outstanding IHRSA members for their exceptional commitment and service to their communities, their customers, and of course, to the betterment of the health and fitness industry,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA president and CEO.

The IHRSA Awards Program seeks to “recognize, celebrate, and inspire.” For more information about IHRSA’s annual industry awards, please visit the IHRSA website.

About IHRSA

IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA and its members are dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise and activity promotion. IHRSA's events provide a vast array of speakers on business and corporate culture, instructional sessions on all aspects of succeeding in the health club industry, social events to mix and mingle with peers, and the most spectacular trade shows in the industry.

About IHRSA 2018

IHRSA 2018, the 37th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show, will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, March 21-24, 2018. Visit the IHRSA website for more details on how to register. If you are a confirmed member of the media, please contact Shannon Vogler, IHRSA’s communications and public relations coordinator, to register for press credentials.