Celebrating BC’s Fitness Changemakers

sonja bidese

Fitness Professional of the Year

2025

Sonja Bidese is the owner of Success Fitness in Colwood, BC and is aBCRPA Registered Fitness Professional and Trainer of Fitness Leaders (TFL) who has inspired thousands through 30 years of passionate teaching, inclusive coaching, and an unwavering belief in people’s potential.

Sonja has developed original fitness programs — including a signature indoor cycling certification and community-focused wellness challenges — that blend education, empowerment, and fun. Her work has raised awareness of the importance of movement at every stage of life, making physical activity engaging and accessible for all. 

Sonja is a Registered Holistic Nutrition Counselor, Certified Holistic Cancer Practitioner, and NCCP Swim & Triathlon Coach, and is deeply committed to inclusion in fitness. She has created safe, welcoming spaces for older adults, newcomers, and individuals managing chronic health conditions. By mentoring future fitness leaders and promoting equity, diversity, and belonging, Sonja ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Christina Truscott

Fitness Professional of the Year

2024

Christina Truscott, from Victoria, has been a driving force in the fitness industry for more than 40 years. She is the Founder and Director of Body Blueprint Fitness Education, which provides an extensive range of fitness courses and workshops, covering everything from Fitness Theory and Group Fitness to Aquatic Instruction, Older Adults programs, and Personal Training.

She has empowered fitness professionals around the world and inspired countless individuals to lead healthier, more confident lives. Her passion and impact continue to shape the future of fitness. Her motto is “If you have an opportunity to make someone feel special – take that opportunity”.

Sheryl Hay

Fitness Professional of the Year

2023

Sheryl Hay, from the community of Enderby, was awarded the 2023 BCRPA Fitness Professional of the Year Award. She is a BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader with specialties in Older Adult Fitness, Aquatic Fitness and Fitness Theory who has dedicated over 27 years to the fields of fitness and aquatics. She is a coach and trainer, program designer and facilitator, as well as a dedicated member of multiple community sport teams.

Sheryl works enthusiastically with Enderby & District Recreation Services as a Recreation Programmer and Fitness Instructor. She is known for her customized land and water-based programs that support accessibility, mental and physical well-being. Sheryl’s achievements also include leading her hometown to be crowned by the national non-profit organization ParticipACTION as Canada’s Most Active Community in 2019, and in 2023, being inducted into her high school’s Wall of Fame for her contributions to community sport, fitness, and wellbeing.

Shannon Whieldon

Fitness Professional of the Year

2022

Shannon is a BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader and Supervisor of Fitness Leaders (SFL) who has dedicated the past 40 years to the field of community fitness and health promotion. She holds Specialities in Older Adult Fitness, Personal Training, Weight Training and Group Fitness and is deeply committed to making fitness education accessible and inclusive.

Shannon’s fitness career began as an Industrial First Aid Attendant and a Fitness Instructor in the early 1980s. Soon after, she added skydiving as a unique form of exercise and became a volunteer Skydiving Safety Officer to support first-time jump students. She went on to become a rigger and jump master, jumping into Vanier Park in Vancouver as part of Expo86, opening the Abbotsford Airshow with a red and white parachute and Canadian flag, and later securing a bronze medal for Canada in the 1988 World ParaSki Championships in Damüls, Austria.

Shannon is a life-long learner who has supported people of all ages through fitness education and physical activity. During her 27-year career as a nurse in acute care, Shannon set up a back-care program in her unit to support physicians and nurses at the end of their 12-hour shifts. She would then check in on elderly home-bound clients on her way home each night to support them to do the same. She later supported her own son using nutrition and exercise to help him thrive through 8 years of chemotherapy and 2.5 years of restorative leg surgery.

Shannon is known by students, clients, and colleagues past and present to be extremely positive, supportive and creative.

Andrew Alcalde

Fitness Professional of the Year

2021

Andrew is a BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader and Group Fitness Instructor and a highly respected leader in Vancouver’s fitness community. Andrew is widely known for his accessible, personable, and entertaining training style, balancing fitness with fun to engage and motivate his clients and community members. His supportive and energetic approach allows all individuals, from beginners to fitness enthusiasts, to reach far beyond their fitness goals.

Andrew’s inspirational fitness classes have been a lifeline for many during the past pandemic year. He was nominated for this award by multiple individuals, including a Critical Care Nurse who sought out Andrew’s classes not only to stay active, but to support her mental and physical health. Andrew also chose to support those who may have seen a reduction in income or job loss due to COVID-19 by providing no-cost small group classes as well as free online classes.

Andrew’s creative approach to teaching makes his classes accessible and allows even someone brand new to physical activity to feel welcome. “His classes feel more like a party with friends than a workout you have to suffer through,” said one Award Nominator.

In addition to receiving this honour from BCRPA, Andrew was also named one of Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors in 2021 by IMPACT Magazine.