After the successful staging of the fourth annual FIT Awards, tributes were paid to the continued growth of the sports industry in the UAE.

Once again, the diversity and talent throughout the fitness sector shone through on a glittering evening at the Hilton Jumeirah Dubai on Wednesday night.

Indeed, the fitness community across the board came together for an occasion which has now become a fixture in the sporting calendar for professionals in the field.

All aspects of health and fitness, from personal training to facilities, were celebrated with 19 awards given out in total following an exhaustive judging process.

Speaking to Sport360°, Andrej Mekionis, marketing director from main sponsor Daman Active Life, said: “Daman is proud to be a part of the Fit Awards 2017, this is a great event to recognise the efforts of sports industry professionals who help to build healthier communities and make a difference.

“Daman is committed to supporting the wellbeing movement in the UAE through our various initiatives which help to engage communities to live healthier lifestyles.”

In the most interactive awards yet, social media played a huge part on the night – with guests being encouraged to use the #FitAwards17 hashtag at every opportunity and celebrate their achievements online.

As well as Daman’s valued support for the awards, Reps UAE – the public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of exercise instructors in the UAE – partnered with the event once more.

“The Fit Awards is a night where we appreciate the fitness community,” Reps CEO Naser Al Tamimi said. “It’s important and can act as a motivation for everybody to try to do their best and win awards in different categories.

“At the end of the day, the fitness community is helping to get people more active in the UAE and in turn promoting sport. This has helped encourage more people to take up new activities and challenge themselves in a number of ways on a regular basis.”