Amy Purdy to Receive ISPA’s Humanitarian Award
The International SPA Association (ISPA) announces Amy Purdy will receive the 2025 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award at the association’s annual Conference and 35th anniversary celebration, taking place March 11-13, 2025, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. Purdy, a three-time Paralympic medalist, will also serve as the event’s opening keynote speaker.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award and to serve as the keynote speaker for such an inspiring community,” said Amy Purdy. “My journey began working in a spa, and in the many years since then I’ve learned we are capable of so much more than we can imagine, and I hope to encourage others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The spa industry’s focus on well-being aligns with my belief in the power of the mind, body, and spirit, and I’m excited to share my story with this amazing group.”
After losing both of her legs below the knee to meningococcal meningitis, Purdy challenged herself to achieve what many would consider impossible. She resumed snowboarding just seven months after being fitted for prosthetics and won medals in three events after joining the USASA National Snowboarding Championship.
“Amy’s journey from starting in the spa industry to overcoming life-altering health challenges and becoming a decorated Paralympic champion is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Lynne McNees, president of ISPA. “Her advocacy for people with physical disabilities is inspirational to our spa community, and we are deeply honored to present her with the ISPA Humanitarian Award.”
With her husband, also an avid snowboarder, Purdy co-founded Adaptive Action Sports, a nonprofit organization that trains athletes with disabilities. Their efforts helped create the first world championships for para-snowboarding and brought adaptive snowboarding to the Paralympic Winter Games.
The ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the late spa pioneer Alex Szekely, recognizes an individual who has contributed to overall well-being, encouraging the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
More information about attending the 2025 ISPA Conference can be found at attendISPA.com.