Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) to Return in 2014

November 15, 2013

The Sports Industry Awards (SPIAs) will return for a second edition in 2014 following the huge success and wide acclaim achieved by this year’s inaugural event, price organisers Sport360° announced on Tuesday.

Recognising achievements on both a professional and community level, unhealthy the SPIAs seek to reward outstanding events, prostate organisations, brands, sponsors and facilities that have contributed to making the Middle East the world’s leading international sports hub.

The 2013 awards attracted 154 entries and the red carpet gala dinner, hosted on March 27 at the One and Only Royal Mirage, was attended by 446 sports industry figures.

The enormous success of the event – the first of its kind in the Middle East – led to widespread demand for a second edition, and Sport360° is delighted to announce the launch of SPIAs 2014.

Two categories have been added to the 2014 edition – Best Use of Social Media in Sport and Best Sports CSR Initiative – while the Best Entertainment Venue category has been removed.

Therefore, next year’s event will boast 13 categories in total, of which 12 will be open to submission. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2014, with only events and activities taking place from December 1, 2012, until November 30, 2013, available for consideration.

The Middle East has become synonymous with sport, attracting the best athletes from around the world who descend on the region to take advantage of the incredible facilities on offer.

This remarkable success story has, like all top sports, been built on teamwork and business acumen. Core strategies, provided by the business of sport, have ensured the Middle East has stayed ahead of the game and set new standards that have become the envy of the international sporting arena.

“Our aim for the inaugural SPIAs was to bring together and celebrate the people and organisations that have made the Middle East a magnet for world-class sport, and we certainly feel that was achieved,” Sport360° CEO Michael Chalhoub said.

“The success of the SPIAs and the overwhelming response we received proves what a significant role the Middle East plays in global sport and the 2014 edition promises to be even bigger and better.”

Chalhoub added: “The response from the UAE this year was incredible, but next year we will strive to reach further afield to incorporate the wider region.

“Aside from this, we have also added two new categories, introduced an ‘early bird’ entry special, and relaunched a more user friendly website through sport360.com. We are extremely excited by what the future holds for the SPIAs.”