Innovations - IHRSA

| IHRSA Report | International
Resources & Benefits
A focused approach will aid our children and communities
By David “Patch” Patchell-Evans
There’s a New Zealand Maori proverb that goes,
“Ko taku rourou, ko tau rou rou, ka ora te
tangata.” For those unfamiliar with Maori, that
means, roughly, “With my resources and your
resources, everyone will benefit.” It’s an admonition
our industry would do well to heed.
I’d like to propose that health clubs, suppliers, and allied
organizations worldwide work to marshal and target their
resources—to the advantage of all.
One of the rewarding things about attending IHRSA
conventions, conferences, and congresses is the opportunity
they provide to talk to lots of people from many different
countries. And one of the things I’ve noticed is that, when
people focus on good intentions, their businesses invariably
become more successful.
It’s a fact I was reminded of recently when I attended the
2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada (see “First Set,”
pg. 81). In order to attain Olympic status, athletes focus on a
single sport and do everything in their power to master it.
But, in order to stand on the winners’ podium, they have to
do more: they have to produce a performance that elevates
the bar, surpasses everything that’s preceded, and, in
essence, yields a new best practice.
“ I’d like to propose that health clubs,
suppliers, and allied organizations worldwide
work to marshal and target their
resources—to the advantage of all.
”
When they do so, they’re rewarded with the appreciation,
approval, and applause of the crowds.
I believe the same will hold true if we commit our time,
energy, resources, and efforts to pursuing excellence on
behalf of others.
We can do so in two basic ways: by doing a better job of
delivering the benefits that we provide; and by giving back
even more to the community.
The first step, I believe, consists of choosing a cause. It doesn’t
matter if we choose the same or different causes. What’s important
is that you adopt and own one that inspires you and creates
a sense of passion within you. At GoodLife Fitness, 90% of our
outreach efforts have to do with two major health challenges.
One is autism, which affects one in every 150 children, including
my own daughter. The second is the crisis of overweight
and physically unfit children and youth, many of whom have
never enjoyed a life enriched by play and exercise.
Today, the majority
of children are overweight,
out of shape,
and suffering the
related emotional
and
psychological
implications
of low selfesteem.
With respect to
the latter, a number
of club companies
have come up with
some great ways to make a
difference. Geoffrey A. Dyer, the
founder of Lifestyle Family Fitness, the
55-unit, Florida-based chain, created the American Teen
Challenge, offering free fitness services to teens each year in
July and August, and is expanding the program throughout
the U.S.—what an amazing idea! IHRSA has adopted the program,
and, this summer, all of my clubs will be offering it, too.
We can also demonstrate that we, our clubs, the industry,
and IHRSA are concerned about the state of the world and
committed to setting a higher standard by increasing our
community involvement. We show that we care every day, of
course, by distributing a product that improves the quality
and length of people’s lives, and by constantly working to
improve our facilities, equipment, programs, and professional
expertise.
We can emphasize the fact that ours are clubs with a conscience
by being good corporate citizens. There are countless
ways to achieve that, but, just to get things started, I’d like to
offer one simple suggestion: If you haven’t already done so,
consider donating at least 1% of your pretax profit—a
philanthropic standard set by most countries—either via
fundraising initiatives at your club or by direct contributions
to charity.
What, conceivably, would be the combined effect if we
were all to do so?
Together, IHRSA clubs could raise an estimated $14.5 million
in charitable donations every year.
Imagine, in addition, if each club also committed to the
equivalent of 10 hours of volunteer community work, per
employee, per year.
What a powerful example we could set! What a significant
message we could send to the world! —|
– David “Patch” Patchell-Evans, patch@goodlifefitness.com
www.ihrsa.org | APRIL 2010 | Club Business International 85