Bay of Plenty Polytechnic cleans up at annual Fitness Industry Awards
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic tutors Kelly Pender and Sheree Cooper were all smiles on Saturday night after being jointly awarded Lecturers of the Year at the annual New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards.
Designed to recognise the cream of the crop of those making a contribution to the health and wellness of New Zealanders through exercise and fitness, the annual awards have been running since 2005.
Years of student feedback forms proclaiming Kelly and Sheree as brilliant teachers, motivators, supporters and mentors were noted by the judges as testimony to the passion and dedication with which the duo expertly delivery their trademark fun, innovative, respectful and simply winning teaching ways.
Pauline Broughton, a Certificate in Fitness student at the Polytechnic, also wowed the judges with the mother of five walking away with the Les Mills Up and Coming Student of the Year Award. Pauline was described by the judges as an ‘inspirational success story; someone who constantly supports and mentors her fellow students learning, and combines academic prowess with a gracious, humble and open manner admired and respected by all.’
“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient than Pauline,” says Kelly. “She exudes excellence and just has this incredible humility with it.”
When pressed about his own award, the humble Kelly Pender was full of praises for his co-worker, Sheree.
“I’m very pleased for Sheree that she has been recognised for all the amazing work she does. We’re both honoured to get this award on behalf of 12 years of fitness at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.”
Judges have praised entrants this year as lifting the bar on all previous years. Head Judge Dr Nigel Harris says “In 2013 we have had a record number of entries, resulting in a line-up of finalists in all categories that have all excelled in improving the lives of kiwis in a variety of ways, through exercise. It’s great to be able to celebrate and recognise their success through the awards.”
The 2013 awards have 20 categories, recognising both individuals and facilities that operate in the fitness/exercise industry, as well as awards for those outside the mainstream fitness industry showing a commitment to health and wellness through exercise.
Community & Education Awards:
- Community Award, sponsored by Horleys: Lauren Parsons Wellbeing Specialist, Palmerston North
- Lecturer of the Year: Kelly Pender and Sheree Cooper, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga
- Mentor of the Year: Sponsored by Drug Free Sport NZ, Rick White, Nelson
Special Awards:
- REPs Award for Contribution to Professionalism and Standards: AUT University
- Fitness NZ Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry: Julz Darroch
- Skills Active Award for Contribution to Workplace Education: Michelle Morris
Individual Awards:
- Group Exercise, Freestyle: Brent Edwards, Auckland
- Group Exercise, Pre-Choreographed, sponsored by APTRA and PPNZ: Daniel Ball, Hamilton
- Small Group Training: Matt Harrison, Whangarei
- Gym Instructor of the year, sponsored by AUT University: Allison Sandquist, Auckland
- Up and Coming Student of the Year, sponsored by Les Mills: Pauline Broughton, Tauranga
- Outstanding Club Support Award, sponsored by Belle by Invivo Wines: Toni Clough, Auckland
- Up and Coming Personal Trainer of the Year: Jessica Rule, Kerikeri
- Personal Trainer of the Year, sponsored by Fitness Life Magazine: Micah Lindsay-Brown, Blenheim and Greig Rightford, Wellington
Facility Award:
- Innovation Award, sponsored by Eye Fitness: CityFitness Group, Nationwide
- Exercise Studio: Activ8, Whangarei
- Club of the Year (under 500 members), sponsored by Technogym: Habit Platinum, Wellington
- Club of the Year (501 – 1500) members), sponsored by Fitnessworks: ABSolute, Dunedin
- Club of the Year (1500+ members): The Gym, Tauranga
- Runner up: Les Mills Christchurch
Supreme Club of the Year: The Gym, Tauranga.