Four YMCA facilities and trainers have been named finalists in the upcoming New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.

Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre managed by YMCA is in the running for Chain/Group Facility of the Year against five of the best fitness facilities around the country. The facility is renowned for providing inclusive and diverse programming for all ages, abilities and ethnicities.

Lynfield Leisure and Youth Centre managed by YMCA is also up for the Community Excellence Award for its work in Auckland’s Lynfield and Mt Roskill communities. The community-based centre organises and participates in a number of local events that improve access to healthy living opportunities and encourage everyone, from children to seniors, to get active. 

In addition to the two facility award finalists, two YMCA trainers are also vying for top honours. Adam Christian, a fitness instructor and personal trainer at YMCA North Shore is up for the title of Small Group Trainer of the Year against five of the best trainers from around the country. Adam has been working with YMCA since 2010, and conducts a number of popular small group training classes from YMCA’s North Shore facility. 

Julia Laulu Faalogo, fitness manager at Onehunga War Memorial Pool managed by YMCA is finalist in the Outstanding Support Award. Julia has been a highly valued member of YMCA’s fitness team since 2011 and consistently supports fellow staff and members via mentoring and coaching.

The New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards will be announced on 25 November in Auckland. The awards are designed to recognise those making a contribution to the health and wellness of New Zealanders through exercise and fitness.

Last year YMCA won four awards, including medium exercise facility of the year (YMCA Auckland City), the Skills Active/Te Iti Kahurangi Award (YMCA Auckland City) and the Community Excellence Award (Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre). The Jumpstart diabetes exercise and lifestyle education programme, operating in 16 YMCA’s around the country and jointly founded by healthcare company Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd, won the Programme Excellence Award.

About YMCA
YMCA is a community-based nonprofit organisation. For over 160 years we’ve been supporting Kiwis of all ages in their local communities with a diverse range of programmes and services across fitness and recreation, accommodation and early childhood education.

Joining your local YMCA means you’re giving back. With your support we can continue to empower young people to reach their full potential; develop activities to strengthen families and build stronger communities; and ensure everyone has equal access to healthy living opportunities.

Find out more by visiting your local YMCA today, or make a donation via YMCA's Everyday Hero page.