The Rainer Schaller Entrepreneurship Award
Recognising Excellence in Fitness and Physical Activity Leadership
The Rainer Schaller Entrepreneurship Award celebrates the truly inspiring entrepreneurs who are the agents of positive change across Europe.
Honouring the life and impact of Rainer Schaller, this award is dedicated to recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in their pursuit of new ideas and innovative solutions, with a focus on the European fitness and physical activity industry.
Nominees for this honour are expected to be strongly committed to challenging conventional thinking and reforming established business models, resulting in notable advancements and positive changes within the industry. Eligible candidates should have a track record of challenging traditional approaches andand disrupting established business practices, ultimately contributing to significant progress and breakthroughs in the field.
Will You Be Crowned the Rainer Schaller Entrepreneur of 2025?
The accolades won't necessarily go to the most senior leaders. We want to celebrate incredible stories of passion, tenacity, courage, innovation and disruption from entrepreneurs running businesses of all sizes and stages.
We have an esteemed judging panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts who are looking for ingenuity, innovation, impact and resilience.
Award Criteria
Applicants for the Rainer Schaller Award should provide evidence of their achievements and efforts in one or more categories to be eligible for consideration.
Have you demonstrated outstanding leadership in the European health and fitness sector, with a focus on innovative thinking and creativity?
Do you have a proven entrepreneurial mindset, evidenced by taking calculated risks and driving novel advancements within the industry?
Have you introduced impactful, original ideas, products, or solutions that have positively influenced the European health and fitness sector with the data to back it up?
Have you positively disrupted established industry models, resulting in significant transformations and advancements?
Have you achieved exceptional business results in the past year, contributing significantly to sector growth and influence?
Awards Timeline
Europe Active Awards Applications Open
February 7, 2025
Awards applications/nominations are opened.
March 3, 2025
Awards applications/nominations are closed.
March 17, 2025
Award Finalists are announced & notified.
The Winner Announced
April 10, 2025
Winner is awarded at the European Health and Fitness Forum.
Remembering Rainer Schaller
4 January 1969 – 21 October 2022
This award honours a true visionary and a relentless entrepreneur.
Life & Legacy
Rainer Schaller, Visionary entrepreneur
Born in 1969, Germany – Died in a tragic plane crash on 21 October 2022, Costa Rica.
Rainer Schaller was more than just the founder of McFIT and guiding light of RSG -group. He was someone who inspired people to reach for the stars. Someone who encouraged others to believe in themselves and their own potential and was firmly convinced that there are no limits to those who pursue common goals with united forces.
As a visionary, he pushed ideas forward and made them a reality. With his boundless passion for innovation, he achieved the impossible, which no one else believed in at first.
As founder, owner and CEO, he created and lived a corporate culture where trust is sown, and true friendship is reaped alongside success.
As a friend and mentor, he was there for others unconditionally. At eye level, approachable and open, he listened to others and provided reassurance – especially when they needed it most.
As a person, Rainer loved life. And yet, he never forgot that you must go through struggle to grow.
In 25 years, there were countless moments when Rainer and his teams worked together, celebrated, laughed, and motivated each other. They will remember every one of them that shaped them as a company and as an RSG Group family – gratefully and proudly.
All these moments will help to continue Rainer’s vision and to let his values, which are firmly rooted in the RSG teams' everyday life, live on.
2024 Award Winners
The Active Citizenship Award:
Sarah Roberts
Sarah, Head of Fitness at Places Leisure, exemplifies the spirit of active citizenship in the fitness sector. With over 30 years of dedication to the industry and 25 years at Places Leisure, Sarah's journey from personal weight loss to empowering others resonates deeply. Her leadership in fostering community engagement, inclusivity, and social responsibility sets a shining example for us all. Congratulations, Sarah, on this well-deserved recognition!
The Rainer Schaller
Entrepreneurship Award:
Nerio Alessandri
Nerio's entrepreneurial vision and innovative spirit have transformed the European fitness landscape. From founding Technogym in 1983 at the age of 22 to pioneering groundbreaking fitness technologies, his journey is a testament to relentless creativity and unwavering commitment. Congratulations, Nerio! Your contributions to our industry are outstanding!
These winners embody the ethos of progress, innovation, and community that define EuropeActive. Join us in applauding their extraordinary achievements and draw inspiration from their dedication to shaping a healthier, more inclusive, and socially responsible future for all.
Want to see if you qualify for our other award : The Active Citizenship Award?
