Digital Magazine, DHL & adidas nominated for Sport Industry Awards

After a rigorous judging process involving key figures from across the industry – fully overseen by Deloitte, the Official Adjudicators of the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards to ensure absolute transparency and impartiality – the list of nominees represents the best the industry had to offer in 2012.

With a record number of campaigns, brands, teams and events carefully considered by this year’s steering committees, reaching the shortlist in 2012 represents a stellar achievement. The shortlist is then considered by the expert Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards Official Judging Panel, chaired by former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad.

The ground-breaking and very popular WP and Stormers Digital Magazine – despite being in its first year of publication – was nominated in the category ‘Best Use of Digital Communications in Sport’, where, ironically, it will go up against DHL for its role in that category – on a digital level – as the DHL Stormers’ title sponsor.

DHL, meanwhile, have been nominated in two other categories – Best Sponsorship of a Sport Event or Competition for their work with Manchester United on the English club’s pre-season tour to South Africa earlier this year – and also for the Best Sponsorship of a Sport Team or Individual (for the DHL Stormers in Super Rugby). Again, DHL will be up against a ‘teammate’ in the shape of fellow team sponsors, adidas, who have been rewarded for their sponsorship of Orlando Pirates.

Of course, WP Rugby/the Stormers are no strangers to the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards – having won at least one award in 2011 and 2012. Here’s hoping for a hat-trick in 2013!

Ross Faragher-Thomas, Managing Director at Virgin Active, commented: “Over the last three years, when many expected the sport industry to shrink in the aftermath of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards have proved it is a sector going from strength to strength.

“Both the number and quality of entries continue to increase year on year and Virgin Active are proud to be part of such a dynamic and exciting industry, which works so hard for the success of South African sport.”

Nick Keller, the Chairman of the Sport Industry Group, added: “We have seen some phenomenal campaigns honoured at the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards, and when the industry comes together on February 7, 2013 we will once again be celebrating a fantastic year for the SA sports business.

“With this year attracting a record number of entries, being named on the Official Shortlist for the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards is a great achievement in itself.”

The winners will be announced at the star-studded Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards ceremony on Thursday, February 7, 2013, once again being held at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.

Check out the full Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards 2013 Official Shortlist HERE.