Cape Town - The Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards 2011 in South Africa have officially opened for entries; the first-ever opportunity for the rapidly evolving South African sports market to be recognised for its work.

The inaugural Awards is now open to entries to all brands, governing bodies, agencies and rights holders in South African sport with a view to celebrating the standout work produced by the country’s fast-evolving sport industry over the last twelve months.

Entries to the Awards are open across 13 categories and will recognise and reward the best the South African sport business has to offer across governance, marketing, PR, sponsorship, media, advertising and design.

Following the completion of a highly successful first-ever World Cup on African soil as well as a burgeoning reputation as a hub for global sport, the Awards’ judging panel, led by former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad, are expecting an impressive standard of entries in the event’s inaugural year.

The deadline for entries is Friday 1st October and any organisation wishing to put forward their work for consideration can download the submission form online from the Awards’ section of www.sportindustry.co.za.

Presented in front of a star-studded audience of all the key stakeholders in South African sport, the winners will be unveiled at the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards ceremony, taking place on February 17th, 2011 in the City of Ekurhuleni and hosted by Emperors Palace.

The first replication of the annual Awards outside of the UK, where the scheme has become the most visible and sought-after endorsement of commercial achievement in sport during its nine-year existence, the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards will see South Africa's top-performing sport brands and organisations receive recognition for their work at a glamorous black-tie event.

Ensuring fairness and transparency throughout, Deloitte, the major international accounting and consulting firm, will be the Awards’ Official Independent Adjudicator, overseeing the entirety of the judging process.

For more information visit www.sportindustry.co.za