History of FIT
Introduction
The word ‘fit’ conjures up many images: the gym workout, people running around their local track, riding a bike around the lake, sweating bodies. All of these people are striving to reach a goal, and that is to attain a desired level of fitness. But FIT now conjures up another image – Females in Training!
Mission and objectives
Robyn Barker’s mission and the mission of FIT was, and is: ‘to provide the highest quality training and coaching environment specifically addressing the physical activity needs of women.’
The objectives in this mission were, and are, to provide a supportive, encouraging and non-threatening environment for women of all ages and abilities to assist them in reaching their physical potential. It also targets the development of female coaches and provides a network for women to meet other like-minded women in the participation of a range of physical activities
| 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 |
1993
‘Participation, coaching, support’- these words have been an essential part of FIT since our very early days when Robyn Barker and Sandra Lauffenburger had the idea of an all women’s training group in the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. At the time Robyn and Sandra were the directors of the Oldeah Centre in Deakin.
Karen Sellman, along with clients and friends at the Oldeah Centre, contributed greatly to the early discussions with Robyn and Sandra. The name FIT emerged from numerous (and humorous) iterations such as: FIST (Females in Strength Training); FIRST (Females in Running and Swimming Training); TWIT (Training for Women in Triathlon); finally another Oldeah Centre client, Gillian Pollack, suggested the simple and all-inclusive name FIT (Females in Triathlon, later changed to Females in Training).
In late 1993 and 1994 Robyn was offering lunchtime coaching sessions in swimming at the old Deakin Health Spa and running sessions, as well as organising cycling maintenance workshops for women.
1994
The FIT logo was designed this year by Robyn, Sandra, Jackie Hallahan and Brigid Cassells. The initial drafts were done by Matthew Berry-Smith of Jamison Berry-Smith, the advertising and graphic design group used by the Brumbies for their logo. Brigid had recommended we try them after the success of the Brumbies. The suggestions the design people gave weren’t ideal.
A considerable amount of time was spent on coming up with the wonderful design we now have: ‘We wanted it to represent something strong, and feminine, and the feline, as depicted in our logo, seemed ideal.’
In September 1994 John Armstrong, who at the time was the coordinator of cycling at the Academy of Sport, was approached by Robyn to coach a small cycling group as an informal session. These began with just four people: Robyn, Sandra, Brigid Cassells and Kerri Knowler. Both Brigid and Kerry were World Champions in rowing but quickly took to the bike under the close supervision of John. These were held at the Hyatt at 6.30am on a Friday.
The cycling group continued to grow every week. Week 2 saw Anne Gripper, FIT’s first President, and Bronwyn Snowden (who, among other things, is well known for one of our regular bike rides Brony’s loop!) as well as our 2006 coaching coordinator Karen Burgan (then Karen Tonkin) join.
FIT continued to grow with the passion and drive of Robyn and the continued support of Sandra, and the Friday cycling group, encouraged by John Armstrong, commenced training for the famous Tour de Femme. John, along with our very own MaryAnn Simpson, have run this event for 13 years.
The Tour de Femme is the largest women’s cycling event in Australia and attracts many top-level cyclists. Alison Wright was heard to say: ‘All I wanted to do was hang onto Paula Sutton’s wheel!’ Well done Paula! For those of you who don’t know, Alison Wright is now an Australian Champion Cyclist.
These were comments from the summer of 1994 newsletter:
The very popular Friday 6.30am cycle ride continues to grow. Meet in front of Parliament House. Please spread the word!’
The word had spread, and the group was then divided into two, the more advanced group moving to Wednesday am, which John Armstrong took as well.
The swimming group at Deakin with Jackie Stewart met on Monday at 7pm, Wednesday at 6am and 7pm, and Friday at 7.15pm.
‘We ended 1994 with a few perhaps soon to be FIT traditions.
The Friday ride was Jingle Bells all the way with everyone wearing bells of some sort on their bodies or bikes. Someone even wore a cow bell! Santa Claus made an appearance, but no one wanted to sit on his lap!
Thursday’s run was wet, but 4 die-hards jingled through their 1k repeats without breaking a sweat. (but who could tell!)
With a logo and a name, the growing group of women began to feel cohesive and started to feel the need for some T-shirts. Again, Robyn and Sandra as directors of the Ouldeah Centre voted to use company funds to get some made.
While the first ones were not exactly the desired colour or design, the group had something they could proudly wear.
1995
In 1995 numerous bike maintenance workshops were held to empower women to change flat tyres, realign wheels and keep our bicycles roadworthy.
This year the FIT logo was finalised and the first FIT T-shirt was produced. Also the first FIT ‘professional’ newsletter was produced, with Gina Hood (now Van Hest) as editor.
A meeting held in April 1995 to organise a women’s cycling camp was attended by Robyn, Jacquelin Magnay, Anne Gripper, Brigid Cassells and Bronwyn Snowden.
In June 1995, the committee (being Robyn, Anne, Sian, Brigid, Bronwyn and Linda?) continued to have monthly meetings as it became apparent that incorporation may be required, due to the enormous response to FIT. Anne was looking into: TO BE OR NOT TO BE….INCORPORATED, THAT IS!!!!!!!
The benefits of incorporation included:
- an increased likelihood of receiving public and private sector financial support
- the increased protection of our participants from personal liability
- The ability to take out comprehensive insurance coverage for our participants
- The ability to acquire, hold and dispose of property
- Having the status of a legal entity that can sue and be sued.
First FIT Cycling Camp – September 1995
In September 1995 the first FIT Cycling Camp at Birigai was held, attended by 75 women who gained skills and friendships over three days.
Sponsors of the camp included: The Bike Shed @ Phillip, Canberra Cycling Club and the Ouldeah Centre.
John Armstrong was to organise equipment for the skill sessions and Brigid was to follow this through with John and the Aussi Sport Unit. This is where Sian Mulholland became involved, as Brigid contacted Sian for help with the camp. Cilla Ballard and Kim Palmer were approached to give talks about their cycling experiences.
The qualified presenters included:
- Roz Penfold – Physiotherapist
- John Armstrong – ACT Coaching Director
- Sports Scientist – Debbie Hoare
- Dietician Jane Seaberry
John and Sian shared the running of the Skills and Drills sessions, and Sian to this day still runs these sessions for FIT.
Special presenters at the camp included:
- Debbie Hoare – Triathlon Coach and Elite Triathlete
- Michael and Derek Aisbett – Cycling Coach and bike experts.
- Chris Sproule – Physiotherapist and triathlete
- Cilla Bollard – Champion Veteran Cyclist
- Sian Mulholland – Cycling coach
- Graham Toohey – Cycling Coach
- John Armstrong – Cycling Coach
- Brian Simpson – Cycling Coach
- Jane Seaberry - Nutritionist
Robyn Barker was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award at the AGM of the ACT Triathlon Association in 1995.
1996
Events that happened in 1996
- FIT was approached to organise the All Women’s Triathlon in March 1996
- Inaugural FIT Cross Country Ski Weekend was held in late August 1996 led by Anne Gripper
- Fit cyclists win Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at the Australian Veterans Games in Wagga in their newly designed FIT knicks and jerseys.
- 8 week Cycle Skills and Training Program
- The inaugural Binalong Cycling Weekend (when Rae Wells was introduced to the FIT girls!)
- Participated in 1st Triple Tri event in Canberra
- Cycling Specific First Aid Course
- Tour de Femme – Jane Roots was in the top 10 and there were purple jerseys everywhere!
- Most important event of all was Cassells Cooking Corner
- First female cycling coaches were certified.
Incorporation of FIT – 4 November 1996
Yes, it’s happened - FIT is now an incorporated association!
A requirement of our incorporation was the appointment of a public officer to manage the administration of the association until elections are held and a committee is elected by the members.
The following FIT people were elected:
- President - Anne Gripper
- Vice President – Brigid Cassells
- Secretary – Jane Roots
- Treasurer – Bronwyn Snowden
- Coaching Director – Robyn Barker
- Public Officer – Sian Mulholland
The fees were:
- Joining / Initial Entry: $5.00
- Annual Membership: 10.00
We then had 70 members.
1997
Our first AGM! The elected committee for 1996-97 was:
- President: Anne Gripper
- Vice-President: Brigid Cassells
- Secretary: Jane Roots
- Treasurer: Bronwyn Snowden
- General: Karen Tonkin
- Committee: Trazel Lister and Sandy Waters
- Coaching Coordinator: Robyn Barker
- Publications: Gina Van Hest
- Public Officer: Sian Mulholland
Events for 1997
- FIT Cycling Camp held in October at Bowral
- Affiliation with Triathlon ACT and ACT Cycling Federation
- Tour de Festival –Tuggeranong Family Bike Day – FIT entered a team in the Italian Pursuit
- Canberra Times Fun Run – lots of FIT members participated in their purple running gear
- FIT baseball caps were designed with a black crown, green brim and logo.
- The 6th Australian Masters Games were held in Canberra with many FIT members participating.
- World Triathlon Championships were held in Perth in November With Robyn Barker, Marie Plunkett-Cole and Liz Simpson all FIT members in the Australian Team.
- All Women’s Triathlon 6-week training program was run by FIT.
- Tour de Femme 6 week training program run by FIT
- Outfits made by Hot Design now available with orders taken for: Short Sleeve Jerseys, Long Sleeve Jerseys, Cycling Knicks and Swimmers.
- Beyond FIT – Roller Blading organised by Trazel Lister
- First FIT website
1998
FIT is growing…….there are now so many directions we can go,
So it’s time to take stock of where we are going and what we want to achieve in the short term and for the next 3 years. A planning afternoon is organised for May, and Heather Reid, Executive Officer of Womensport Australia, guides the group through the process.
1998-2001 FIT development plan was developed after planning session held at Daramalan College, Dickson.
The key areas were:
- to influence women in the general community to become physically active and provide information to women about FIT activities;
- To promote and offer three beginner novice entry-level training programs per year, including the AWT training program and the Tour de Femme training program and an additional program such as conducting monthly sessions for those who can’t currently swim, run or cycle.
Training Session Changes:
Run sessions at the AIS running track held on Tuesdays at 12.30 pm with 400m and 200m intervals
Cycle sessions at Deek’s Drive, Uriarra Road on Thursdays at 12.30pm
Both sessions run by accredited FIT coaches
Other notable events
Dear Dr Cec began her column in the FIT bits and pieces newsletter
FIT Beyond – The Budawangs Bushwalking
Crank away the Winter Blues Program with bike maintenance sessions, guest speakers on cycling, heart rate training, cogs and gears & other parts of the bike.
1999
FIT ACHIEVED ACTIVE AUSTRALIA PROVIDOR STATUS
As a club we are considered well managed and we have undertaken a development process of continuous improvement showing commitment to:
- increasing and enhancing lifelong participation
- assisting in the social, health and economic benefits of participation
- supporting the infrastructure, opportunities and services to support participation.
Rae Wells and Mel Hughes compete in the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal, Canada.
FIT Beyond – Mountain Bike Weekend to Mt Clear with Jane Roots
FAB FOUR do 16 weeks on the trot from June to September in the freezing cold months:
- Helen Clarke
- Susan Pover
- Claire Perry
- Amanda Jones
ACT Female Coaches forum for the development of ideas and exchange of skills.
2000
14-16 April 2000 - FIT Cycling camp at Cooma organised by Sian Mulholland, Sandy Waters and Annette Colonna. It was sponsored by the ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation, Canberra Cycles, the Bike Shed and the Ouldeah Centre for the Pilates Method.
5-7 May 2000 – FIT Beyond kayaking camp
Received an Active Australia Sport and Recreational Development Grant from the ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation to assist in the development of female coaches in the Canberra community.
4 March – Canberra Cycles All Women’s Triathlon – grant from ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation assisted in meeting the costs of running the associated All Women’s Triathlon Training Program.
8 May - Centenary of Federation ‘Links in the Chain’ bike ride
FIT Development plan 2001-2004
A session was held at Calvary Hospital to develop this plan to achieve greater recognition of FIT and to ensure publicity to ACT and wider Australian community.
Goals: provide a diversity of activities and provide competition support for members wishing to participate in local and interstate races.
Action: to conduct 2 FIT Beyond activities each year; design group coaching sessions to accommodate the needs of members who wish to be competitive; ensure a FIT presence at local cycling and triathlon races in which members are present; provide opportunities for women to gain or upgrade coaching qualifications.
25-26 August – annual Canberra to Goulburn and return weekend
5-14 October – 8th Australian Masters Games, Newcastle
October – FIT acknowledged for excellence in Sport and Recreation at the International Year of the Volunteer awards in Melbourne.
19-21 October – FIT triathlon camp, ‘The Pines’ outdoor education centre, Tuross Head
2002
10 February – All Women’s Triathlon with the WTTP organised by Rae Wells.
MORE TO COME.....
2006 - 10th anniversary of Females in Training
October 2006
The 10th anniversary of Females in Training was celebrated with a ‘Girls night out’ on the Saturday, followed by the Family Fun Day on the Sunday.
