Philippine groups, events make Sports Industry Awards final list

MANILA, Philippines - More than 40 groups, events, and initiatives from the Philippines made it to the shortlist of 101 finalists vying for accolades in the 2015 Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) Asia slated Oct. 2 at New World Makati Hotel.

The finalists were selected from an original 168 entries aspiring in 10 categories in the event, which will be held in Southeast Asia for the first time. Before the gala awards night, regional industry experts, agencies, consultants and brands will convene in the Sports Industry Conference to learn about major sports-related development projects in the Philippines, according to Eric Gottschalk, CEO of MMZ Sportz, which is organizing the event in partnership with Sport360, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“SPIA Asia has been created to recognize and celebrate the business leaders, organizations, facilities and campaigns at the forefront of the sporting industry for their remarkable contributions to the growth and development of sport across Southeast Asia,” said Gottschalk.

Mark Kar, Sport360 director, unveiled the finalists in yesterday’s official shortlist announcement and presscon that was also attended by PSC executive director Guillermo Iroy, POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros, and New World Makati Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair.

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, Primer Group-GC, Sunrise Events, Inc. and Wrestling Association of the Philippines earned inclusion in the final eight disputing the “Sport Organization of the Year” plum.

Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis, National Basketball Training Center, National Cheerleading Championship, NBA Asia, Nutrition Action Champion by Alaska Milk, Philippine Table Tennis Academy, Speedo G-League, and Head Junior Satellite Circuit shortlisted for the “Best Sports Youth Program” plum.

Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, Girls Got Game Camp, Hello Kitty Run, Slam Rising Stars Classic, and SM Bowling Millionaires Cup qualified for “Best Sports Event (Amateur).”  Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines also made it to the finals of “Best Live Experience at a Professional Sports Event” against IPTL-Manila Mavericks, and Philippine Basketball Association, among others.

Bike Doctors and Team Possible, both by Primer Group, Get Into Rugby by Philippine Rugby Football Union, Humanitarian Project by Sunrise Events, The AGW Walk by CFC ANCOP Global Foundation and Toby’s Youth Sports Foundation by Toby’s Sports are in the running for “Best Sports CSR Initiative.”

Faber Audio Visual, Isang Bayan Para Kay Pacman, and the PBA are competing for “Sports Digital Platform of the Year” trophy while  #mygirls by Adidas & Iprospect, Color Manila by Brother International, DC Shoes by Primer Group, Gilas Fiba World Cup by Smart Communication, Isang Bayan Para Kay Pacman by ABS-CBN, Manila Mavericks at IPTL and UFC Manila both by SM Lifestyle, the PBA, and Puso To the Max by Max Restaurant and Carat are contending for “Best Sports Marketing Campaign.”