“The 2026 National Fitness Hall of Fame Induction Weekend was Sizzling!”
For Immediate Release: August 8, 2026
Literally sizzling, as the air conditioning unit in the hotel’s meeting room gave out, it felt like 95 degrees inside that room. With nowhere else to go, we forged ahead with the planned taping of “History of Fitness in America” seminars. This was a new activity of the Induction Weekend, held the afternoon before the evening ceremony, and gave Hall of Fame Inductees & Professional Members who were participating in the festivities a chance to impart their knowledge and expertise on a particular topic of interest.
Topics ranged immensely, from “The Birth of TV Fitness” to the “He-Man” Era; the explosion of “Dance Aerobics” to Arthur Jones & the “Nautilus Phenonemon” and many more. All were educational and entertaining and we were able to display some of the Hall of Fame’s museum items as well.
The night prior we held our annual Meet & Greet reception. This event went off without a hitch. The food was great, the fellowship fantastic and the ambiance of the room was electric.
The induction ceremony itself was held Saturday evening with the reception starting at 6:00pm. It was a dapper affair as Hall of Fame VIPs and their guests filled the room to capacity. After a delicious dinner, the ceremony began with a stellar line-up as one Hall of Famer after another came up to the stage.
Dr. Bill Truesdale & June Kittay came up to say what it means to them to be a Professional Member of the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Then, Hall of Famer, Mark Rothstein got us started by introducing the legendary Catharine Beecher. Richard Derwald followed by saying some terrific things about one of his idols, the late, great John C. Grimek. Richard, the 91 y/o NFHOF Inductee, was sharp as ever and had the crowd laughing hysterically with some of his stories.
After that, Mike Michelakis and Walt Sloan came up to tell the audience what the “Volunteer of the Year” award meant to them, as both previously received that recognition. (Mike in 2022 and Walt back in 2013). They then brought up the 2026 “VOY,” Michael Harrington and he gave an stellar and uplifting acceptance speech. Michael has done much for “The Hall” since becoming a Professional Member in 2019.
Continuing with two disciples of the late, great Jack LaLanne, Hall of Famer Greg Justice introduced Jaime Brenkus. Jaime’s acceptance speech was truly inspirational and motivating and he was also able to thank his wife and mother for all the support and praise they have given him over the many years.
Finally, the tremendous achievements of 2010 NFHOF Inductee, Esther Gutiérrez Sloan were presented by fellow “LAA” recipient and Hall of Famer, Bill Crawford. He brought up Esther to receive the NFHOF’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” After a very impassioned acceptance speech, Esther thrilled the crowd by having her energizing Salsa music fill the room. She then danced across the floor getting the audience up and moving as they gave her a standing ovation. “Wow, what a terrific finish to a Wonderful Weekend,” said NFHOF founder and host, John Figarelli. He then ended the show by thanking the crowd for coming and being part of this special celebration!
[The NFHOF would like to thank Jannae Roscoe and the incredible staff of the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago-OHare for hospitality and the Figarelli family for their help and support. Also Hall of Famers, Anibal Lopez & Dr. Jerry Moylan who came in from Florida & California to participate.]
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