Banji finishes first in Hotelier's fitness award

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s Agnelo Banji was crowned Fitness Person of the Year at last night’s Hotelier Middle East Awards 2012 presented by Du, held at Ritz-Carlton DIFC.

The award, sponsored by Technogym and presented to Banji by the company's MD Michele Moro, was designed to recognise the members of the hotel team with one of the most personal guest relationships, who juggle diverse facilities – from kids clubs to strength training.

At the 1920s-themed bash, Banji was chosen for “his commitment to motivating clients,” said judges, as well as “his business-savvy, proving himself an adept marketer by signing 60 new members this January alone”.

The fitness manager said: “It feels great to be shortlisted first of all for such an illustrious award and it is a big big honour just to be shortlisted. To win it is better than any dream I’ve ever dreamt. It is one of the best moments of my life. This will really motivate me to get more motivated to help our guests better and just push forward."

Banji also gave some advice to fellow fitness managers and instructors: "The biggest thing as a trainer is to train them mentally to believe in themselves to achieve what they want, because a lot of them walking in aren’t ready for it, so if you tell them that yes, you can do it, and get that confidence in them and show them it is possible, then that is really where the change happens."

Ryan Bertrum Gelderbloem from InterContinental Regency Hotel Bahrain was also highly commended in the category.