UAE all set for inaugural Sports Industry Awards

11:58 04/12/2013
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  • The inaugural Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) ceremony is set to dazzle a capacity audience tonight and honour those too often left in the shadow when the limelight shines on sporting stars or events.

    A new initiative by Sport360º, the world’s only English language daily sports newspaper, along with trade and consumer publication specialists Mediaquest, the SPIA is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive and Chairman of The Emirates Group, in association with both the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Dubai Sports Council.

    Awards are up for grabs in 12 different categories, with more than 160 entries submitted. The categories include such diverse aspects of the sports industry as sponsorship, organisation of both professional and amateur events, retail and branding, venue management and health and fitness. The awards night will also honour the MENA Sport Business Personality for the year.

    The response has been overwhelming for tonight’s function, which commences at 7.30pm at the One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai.

    Originally planned for 300, the evening will now be graced by more than 440 guests, without whom sport would not be flourishing here in the UAE.

    Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Sport360º, said: “Being the only sports newspaper in the market, this is our tribute to what truly is a fascinating industry.

    “Obviously the athletes are always at the forefront in sport, but even they would agree that there is a huge force behind them in the form of various other industry stakeholders who make it possible for them to get all the kudos. We understand that and this is our appreciation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”

    Judging of the submissions are in strict accordance with the international sports industry award rules. To ensure absolute transparency and integrity, the SPIA have appointed the highly-respected auditing firm Deloitte as independent observer to oversee the entire process. Indeed, no Sport360º or Mediaquest representatives are involved in the judging process.

    Pepsi are the main sponsors of the event, while Emirates, Dubai Eye 103.8, Group Plus, Lacoste, le coq sportif, Kenzo, One & Only Royal Mirage and Tag Heuer are supporting it as category sponsors.

    THE CATEGORIES:

    ► Best Health and Fitness Facility
    ► Best Sport and Recreation Facility
    ► Best Entertainment Venue
    ► Best Sport Retail Outlet
    ► Best Sport Marketing Campaign
    ► Best Sport Sponsorship
    ► Best Sport Youth Development Project
    ► Best Sport Brand
    ► Best Sport Event (Amateur)
    ► Best Sport Event (Professional)
    ► Best Sport Event Organisation
    ► MENA Sport Business Personality 2013 Award

    – Full list of nominees can be found HERE.

    Sport360º will have full results and reaction from the inaugural SPIA Awards ceremony on Thursday.

     

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