The SPIA 2021 winners were present at the gala at the W Hotel in Palm Jumeirah
The Sports Industry Awards returned with a bang as 200 guests packed the W Hotel’s Great Ball Room for the gala ceremony.
In compliance with strict social distancing rules, the guests were greeted with a video message and an opening speech from Bassam Nawfal, managing director of host Sport360X.
Title partner: TikTok is a partner of SPIA
The event, with TikTok as title partner, recognized the achievements of individuals, organizations, institutions and campaigns who have contributed to the development of the sport in the region. The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges made up of industry experts selected for their skills and experience in the Middle Eastern sports industry, as well as from a few publicly chosen categories chosen by fans.
Ballroom: The event was held at the W Hotel in Palm Jumeirah
TikTok representatives presented social media star Walid Yari with a special award for the TikTok Sports Creator Award. A number of influencers and media personalities were also in attendance on the night, as well as those nominated for awards. This was the first time in the eight-year history of SPIA that a title partner presented a guest with this special individual award. TikTok has been involved in a number of athletic collaborations over the past twelve months and has continued to support the Middle Eastern sports community by partnering with SPIA on this year’s ceremony.
As a platform, TikTok has grown exponentially in the Middle East and its presence was felt at the gala with a branded photo wall, giant hanging banners, video announcements, and award shows from TikTok representatives.
Victorious: Winner of the SPIA photo wall
The gala ceremony at the W Hotel in Palm Jumeirah saw remarkable wins for Top Golf in the best integrated sports marketing campaign of the year. The gold award for the best live experience at a professional sporting event went to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi with the Mubadala Tennis World Championship, which received the silver award.
Al Jazira Football Club and TikTok won the award for the best sponsorship collaboration of the year. Ultimate Athletics won the top gong in the “Best Sports Youth Academy” or “Organization of the Year” category.
Along with TikTok, SPIA 2021 was endorsed by YouGov Sport, a global sports, sponsorship, and entertainment research company that works with key players in the sport to generate meaningful, actionable insights. Global Traveler USA is the official media partner and premium provider of shopping experiences, Ninjoo.
SPIA 2021 winner
- Best Sports Brand, Retail, or Product Activation of the Year
Gold: Ventum Racing Middle East
Silver: Enduro Offer – On the way to the Middle East
- Best Sports Event Provider of the Year
Gold: Nielsen Sports Middle East
Silver: 7 production
- Sports director of the year
Gold: Fleur Castle
Silver: Mehran Rowshan
Bronze: Michelle Kuehn
- Best esports campaign of the year
Gold: Go to the game – Saudi Sports For All Federation / SAFEIS / Vanguard
Silver: Intel Arabian Cup – Riot Games
- Best recreational sports facility of the year
Gold: Bounce Sports Club
Silver: Basketball Hub Dubai
- Best sporting event of the year
Gold: Daman World Triathlon Abu Dhabi
Silver: Mubadala Tennis World Championship
- Best Integrated Sports Marketing Campaign of the Year
Gold: Topgolf Dubai – Dubai Golf
Silver: FC Barcelona Platinum Credit Card – RAKBANK
Bronze: Ladies First – Golf Saudi / Performance54
- Best Sports F&B Venue of the Year
Gold: The Sailors Restaurant
Silver: McGettigans
- Best Sports CSR Initiative of the Year
Gold: Ladies First Club – Golf Saudi / Performance54
Silver: Include Beirut 5K Charity Race – Beirut Marathon Association
Bronze: Gift for Healthcare Frontliners – Skechers
- Best live experience at a professional sporting event
Gold: Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix
Silver: Mubadala Tennis World Championship
- Best sports brand of the year
New balance
Reebok
- Best sponsorship collaboration of the year
Gold: Al Jazira Football Club / TikTok
Silver: Al Masaood Group / Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi
Bronze: New Balance / Ultimate Athletics
- Best youth sports academy or organization of the year
Gold: Ultimate Athletics
Silver: Zayed Sports City Academy
Bronze: LaLiga Academy
- Best youth development project of the year
Mubadala Tennis in Schools – Zayed Sports City
ADNOC Yas in schools – Yas Marina Circuit
- Best Sports Event Organizer of the Year
High 5 events
Twedex
- Best esports tournament of the year
eUAEPL – Zawaya Gaming
Intel Arabian Cup Season 1: League of Legends – Riot Games
- Sports media personality of the year
Mohammed Awaad
Charbel Krayem
Nathalie Mamo
- The TikTok Award for Sports Creator
Walid Yari
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