A host of the region’s leading sports brands, events, organisations and facilities were revealed as finalists shortlisted for the 2015 Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) presented by Cadillac.
For the third consecutive year, the SPIA will be honouring the hard work that goes behind producing a sports event, launching a product, managing a facility, or developing a youth programme, shedding light on the success stories that have been forging a thriving sports culture in the Middle East.
A total of 191 entries were registered across 13 categories, with 48 submissions coming from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“The Sports Industry Awards is an unique platform to reflect, showcase and reward the ambitions and achievements of the sports industry in the region,” said Michael Chalhoub, founder and CEO of Sport360, organisers of the awards.
A few enhancements have been made to the awards this year, with two new categories – Best Use of PR in Sport and New Sporting Product of the Year – and division between Indoor and Outdoor Sport and Recreation Facilities.
Cadillac are presenting sponsors of the SPIA for the first time and feel the event fits perfectly within their philosophy and strategy.
“We are proud to be sponsoring the 2015 edition of the SPIA, a prestigious event aimed at honouring pioneers that have left an indelible mark on the region’s sport industry,” said Nadim Ghrayeb, Cadillac Brand Manager at General Motors Middle East.
First-time nominees, Al Ain Club Investment Company, were thrilled to be recognised in two categories, with their venue, the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, and its showcase match between Al Ain FC and Manchester City FC both shortlisted.
“We entered the third edition of the SPIA because of its reputation to be a fair play, transparent and credible sports award that
reflects the achievements of the best brands in the region’s sports industry,” said an Al Ain Club Investment Company spokesman.
Each submission will go through a rigid and transparent judging process, overseen by a panel of 18 of the region’s industry experts, and facilitated by Deloitte and Touche with the winners of the 2015 SPIA announced at a black-tie gala dinner at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai on March 25.
The SPIA are organised by Sport360 and sponsored by National Ambulance, Dubai Sports City, Lacoste, FGB and Emirates Airline.