Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Gioia Catania
Welcome to another article in our series of Celebrating Local Women in Business blogs! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.
Today’s spotlight is on Gioia Catania of AmericaFit in Norwich, CT. Gioia loves spending time outdoors and all kinds of sports and has taken those loves, and created a business where she can share her skills and experience with other families. Her energy and friendly personality are perfect for the job she does!
Name: Gioia Catania
Business name and address: AmericaFit LLC Norwich, CT
“Our business gives everyday people the opportunity to test their own limits. “
My love of sports started at an early age. I was on the gymnastics team in high school and am an avid sports fan. Sports have always been a part of my life. That love of sports has had me working for Ledyard Parks and Recreation in Ledyard CT for the past 30 years in various roles including Summer Coordinator and Gymnastics Instructor. 
I have always enjoyed being on the go and like to spend time with our friends and family so thought combining the two would make a great company. There must be people out there that enjoy these things too!
We started this business in May of 2016 with the idea that all people regardless of age or fitness level deserve a place to enjoy fun and affordable fitness activities. We plan events that bring families, friends and coworkers together to compete against each other, or just against themselves, without the heavy competitive environment. The challenge of competition and exercise can benefit all people.
I envisioned an organization that all people can participate in without being a professional. My goal for AmericaFit is to have both amateur and professional events so that all people can enjoy the benefits of athletics.
We visited with Gioia during her event at Colonel Ledyard Park in Ledyard, CT and she has a “Run for Fun 5K” event coming up on Saturday October 1st at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, CT. To learn more about what Gioia does and what events they have coming up, visit her website AmericaFit.org and take a look at their calendar or check out her Facebook page!