Cream of the crop from Dubai fitness industry recognised at 2019 Fit Awards

Nick Watkins

17:50 12/12/2019

Over three hundred people attended the sixth annual FIT Awards, held at Dubai World Trade Centre. The awards celebrate the achievements of the best individuals and businesses across the health and fitness industry in Dubai.

In his opening speech, Sport360 Managing Director Bassam Naoufal welcomed the room by saying: “Dubai’s health and fitness community is full of inspiring, positive and forward-thinking individuals who help it continue to grow and go from strength-to-strength. It’s a real honour to bring everyone together under one roof.”

In total, there were winners in 21 categories, four of which were determined by a public vote, which saw over 10,000 votes cast. A panel of expert judges selected the other 18 award winners. Supported by Skechers, REPS UAE and Fitness Time, the awards were held on Thursday night at World Trade Centre as part of Dubai Active.

Winner: Group Instructor of the Year, Isidora Milanovic

Prior to the awards, guests were greeted by a cocktail reception and were then treated to a spectacular performance by a hoop dancer suspended from the ceiling. The gala evening included drinks and a three-course meal, along with further entertainment performances and a prize draw, held by Skechers.

Speaking to Sport360 after picking up her gong for the Group Instructor of the Year, Isidora Milanovic said: “I was not expecting to win, it was a really tough category and I’ve been in the industry for a long time. Recently I injured my knee so this is like a pat on the back for what I’ve been through and now I can move on from it. It’s very nice to meet all the people in the industry and it’s actually an honour to be here.”

James Sidhu was delighted to pick up the Fitness Manager of the Year award. He said: “It’s a very fierce category and I know very well how hard it is because it’s my second time being in it. I actually won in 2017 and I didn’t really think I would win again. I’m very proud that I was deemed worthy of the win by the judges, I put myself forward to see what would happen and delighted to have won. I transitioned in 2018, I went from a company I had been to for a long time and I wanted to build something there, and I’m really proud that the facility has been recognised and this individual award is very unexpected. I think it’s great, I’ve been here for eight years in Dubai and it’s really good to get everyone under one roof to celebrate what people are doing, celebrate fitness and to have a good time.”

Fitness Manager of the Year: James Sidhu was delighted to win for the second time

The male Personal Trainer of the Year aware went to Dannish Walker Khan, while Smitha Thomas collected the female Personal Trainer of the Year award. MEFIT PRO picked up the top prize for the Fitness Training Provider of the Year in a tremendously close category. Hotel Gym Facility of the year went to the Fitness Centre at Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah. Sports Nutrition Brand of the Year saw Optimum Nutrition take to the stage to collect their award.

See the full list of winners below.

Fitness Brand/Retail/Product Activation of the year: Athletes Junction

Yoga/Pilates/Mind & Body Studio of the Year: Real Pilates

Fitness Influencer of the Year – Male: Adam Fulat

Mind & Body Instructor of the Year: Cloe Sommadossi

Fitness Event of the Year: Corporate Sports Championship

Personal Trainer of the Year – Male: Dannish Walker Khan

Fitness Training Provider of the Year: MEFIT PRO

Newcomer of the Year: Milos Markovic

General/Club Manager of the Year: Nikesh Naik

Sports Nutrition Brand of the Year: Optimum Nutrition

Personal Trainer of the Year – Female: Smitha Thomas