FOLLOWING the huge success of the inaugural event last year, the 2019 Northern Ireland Health & Fitness Awards sponsored by Centra are back and promise to be even bigger and better than before and organisers are once again seeking entries from individuals and organisations in Lisburn.  

Last year’s winners included Lisburn man Phil Graham was named Health and Fitness Person of the Year sponsored by Centra. 

The prestigious awards ceremony, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of the local health and fitness industry, will take place on Saturday September 21 in the Crowne Plaza Belfast.  Hosting the event are well-known fitness advocates, Q Radio presenter Ibe Sesay and TV personality, Vogue Williams.

There are 21 award categories to recognise the outstanding achievements of the local health and fitness industry including Gym of the Year, Personal Trainer of the Year, Best Corporate Wellness Programme and NEW for this year are Wellness Champion and CrossFit Gym of the Year.

Former Ulster, Ireland and British Lions rugby star Stephen Ferris, esteemed personal trainer Ian Young and leading Northern Ireland nutritionist Jane McClenaghan are once again heading up the independent judging panel and they will be joined by professional MMA fighter and World and European amateur MMA champion Leah McCourt and fitness expert and health and fitness social media influencer Ben Mudge.

Sarah Weir, Director of Weir Events and Creator of the Health & Fitness Awards said: “I am delighted to launch the 2019 Health and Fitness Awards sponsored by Centra. Last year over 200 entries were received from individuals, organisations, products and services and we were blown away by the high-calibre of talent from right across Northern Ireland. The feedback we received was fantastic and I think everyone was pleased that this hardworking industry was finally being recognised, so I am excited to build on this further in 2019.

Once again, we have put together an outstanding panel of independent judges who all know what it takes to be at the top of their game and I’m confident that they will have a very hard task as there are so many dedicated and deserving winners who do so much for people’s health, fitness and well-being.”

Jennifer Morton, Centra NI Brand Manager said: “We’re proud to be back on board as title sponsor of the Health and Fitness Awards for 2019. This is the perfect fit for Centra; over the last few years, we have invested millions to promote health, fitness and wellbeing in Northern Ireland.  Our Centra 10-Week Wellness Plan offers an incredible bank of online resources to help restart your fitness regime and our enhanced series of family fun ‘Run Together’ events offers a series of free 5K runs in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, whilst raising vital funds for Action Cancer. New for 2019, an exciting 10K event will act as a big finale, ending the series on a high in October. Backed up by a super range of healthy foods and drinks available in our stores, health and wellbeing is at the top of our agenda. 

 “The inaugural Health and Fitness Awards were a huge success and we’re looking forward to building on this in 2019 as the event grows and develops and provides desired recognition to the individuals and organisations who are passionate about the work they do in inspiring people to lead healthier lives.  We would encourage everyone to enter and we look forward to meeting all of our finalists on the night.” 

Individual category sponsors include Linwoods Health Foods, Tony & Jens, Crowne Plaza Belfast, S J Davidson Motors and Sparq. Media partner is Q Radio.

For further information or to enter the 2019 Northern Ireland Health and Fitness Awards sponsored by Centra go to www.healthandfitnessni.com