By FitBizWeekly Staff
The canfitpro Global Conference and Trade Show, held August 15–16, 2025, celebrated excellence across the Canadian fitness industry with a wide range of awards recognizing educators, fitness professionals, volunteers, and industry vendors. This marks FitBizWeekly’s second, more detailed recap of the event following last week’s initial coverage.
Sharon Mann Inspiration Award: Jully Black
Jully Black, renowned as “Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul” and one of CBC’s “25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever,” received the Sharon Mann Inspiration Award. Black, who founded The Power of Step during the 2020 lockdowns, uses her platform to promote community, wellness, and empowerment through movement.
The award honors the legacy of Sharon Mann, a fitness industry icon whose 30+ year career encompassed instruction, presentation, and entrepreneurship. Recipients are recognized for personal courage, growth mindset, influence, inspiration, and community impact.
Maureen ‘Mo’ Hagan, creator of Women Who Influence and COO of canfitpro, commented:
“Jully Black leads with passion and purpose in everything she does, from music and entertainment to inspiring people through fitness and movement. Jully exemplifies the attitude and drive we love to see in our industry.”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Chuck Lawson
Left to Right: Chuck Lawson, Carl Ulmer and Trevor Linden – Co-owners of Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Chuck Lawson, co-founder of Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness and She’s FIT. Lawson, who passed away in December 2024, built seventeen Club 16 locations in British Columbia and developed welcoming women-only spaces through She’s FIT.
Hagan noted:
“Chuck didn’t just build gyms; he built a culture where people felt seen, heard and motivated. His drive was matched only by his kindness and sense of humour. In his career, Chuck changed our industry and countless lives, and we know that his legacy will go on inspiring change for years to come.”
Steve Block Vendor of the Year: Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness, a division of Johnson Health Tech, received the Steve Block Vendor of the Year Award, recognizing a longstanding commitment to providing quality equipment, training, and innovation in the fitness industry. Greg Lawlor, President of Matrix Canada, accepted the award:
“This is a celebration of all vendors. As vendors, we have a platform to contribute. The passion, the integrity, and the risk-taking of all entrepreneurs and businesspeople is fantastic and honoring us in the name of Steve Block, a man who brought solutions to the table and celebrated partnerships with customers, is what Steve stood for. We don’t just sell stuff – we offer solutions.”
The award, established in 2006 in memory of Steve Block, recognizes vendors whose leadership, innovation, and integrity elevate the fitness experience.
Volunteer of the Year: Bill Kirby
Bill Kirby, a long-time canfitpro volunteer since 2011, was recognized for his dedication to supporting event logistics, guiding new volunteers, and fostering community within the organization.
Hagan remarked:
“Bill has a remarkable gift for staying calm under pressure and finding solutions in real time—qualities we rely on at canfitpro. His energy, commitment, and positive spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.”
Fitness Professional of the Year
The Fitness Professional of the Year awards highlighted two leaders:
Theresa Rindress, founder and owner of TRxrcs training studio in Montreal, Quebec, received Fitness Instructor Specialist of the Year. Rindress has taught nearly 10,000 group fitness classes, developed in-person and online training programs, and has mentored other fitness professionals over a 15-year career.
Milad Emadi, director of personal training at Movati Athletic, received Personal Trainer Specialist of the Year. Emadi has spent two decades coaching clients and mentoring fellow trainers, noted for his passion, professionalism, and heart-led leadership.
Hagan noted:
“Both Theresa and Milad exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and passion. They have committed their careers to ongoing professional development and community involvement, promoting and building the fitness industry in Canada.”
Additional Recognitions
Other awards, including PRO TRAINER and Delegates’ Choice Presenter Awards, honored Canada’s top educators and presenters in various categories, celebrating contributions to fitness education, mentorship, and community impact.
PRO TRAINER Award Winners:
- Jodie Boettger (Business Impact)
- Trevor Pickett & Offbeat Fitness (Top Earner)
- Simon Paige (Participants’ Choice)
- Rahmi Diomande (Rookie of the Year)
- Blenda Chan (Social Media Superhero)
Delegates’ Choice Presenter of the Year Award Winners:
- Martin Rooney (International)
- Lisa Mastracchio (Canadian)
- Robert Linkul (Online)
The 2025 canfitpro Global Conference and Trade Show reinforced its role as a hub for Canadian fitness professionals to network, learn, and celebrate leadership and innovation in the industry
Images: canfitpro
