David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans to Take Home the 2016 Canadian Fitness Industry Leadership Award

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - March 4, 2016) - The Canadian Fitness Industry Leadership Award is Fitness Industry Council of Canada's most prestigious honour. This award is given annually to a Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) member who has, throughout the years, proven to be an industry leader while operating a fitness facility. This individual has proven to be passionate about the wellbeing and promotion of the industry and has contributed significantly to its growth. FIC is very proud to announce that the 2016 recipient for Canadian Fitness Industry Leadership Award is David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans. Patch is the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness, and President of canfitpro.

At the age of 32, Patch contracted severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and was under physician's orders not to exercise. After weeks of pain and inactivity, Patch resumed exercising and within four years took up one of his life's passions, downhill skiing. Patch's experience with RA was instrumental in the establishment of GoodLife's core values and the added impetus for helping all Canadians-veterans, teens, children, adults, recovering cardiac patients, individuals with special needs, discover the benefits of being active.

"Patch started with one club in 1979, and parlayed it into the largest privately owned chain of fitness clubs in the world; all while contributing to the development of the fitness industry through canfitpro, and his support for Fitness Industry Council of Canada," said David Hardy, President of Fitness Industry Council of Canada. "He has been, and continues to be, an inspiring leader to club owners and operators all around the world. His hard work and valiant efforts is what keeps the industry strong and united."

Not only has Patch promoted the growth of the fitness industry through various initiatives such as lobbying for the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, standing up for public policy issues threatening the industry, and fighting against music tariff legislation, he has also solidified a name for himself as a philanthropist, dedicating time and resources to helping out the community.

The Award will be presented at the Canadian VIP Reception during the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association's 35^th Annual International Convention and Tradeshow, on March 22, 2016, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

About: Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) is the not-for-profit trade association that represents over 5,000 fitness facilities with over four million members nationwide. FIC pursues a legislative agenda in the hope of bettering the fitness industry for both consumers and operators.