An award celebrating outstanding individuals in the fitness sector is to be named in honour of Jan Spaticchia, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.

The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award will form part of the ukactive Awards and will honour people who have made a continued and significant impact across the breadth of the sector.

The new award was announced to signal the countdown to the 10th annual National Fitness Day on Wednesday 22 September.

Spaticchia, the former chair of énergie Fitness, founded National Fitness Day in 2011 before gifting it to the industry in 2014 via an agreement with ukactive, after he realised the campaign could benefit the whole sector and grow via the support of thousands of fitness operators and suppliers.

ukactive CEO, Huw Edwards, said: "National Fitness Day began as an idea fuelled by the passion and relentless energy of Jan Spaticchia.

"We're grateful to énergie Fitness for gifting the campaign to the industry in 2014 and the ukactive team continues to work tirelessly to ensure that as many organisations are engaged in providing free activities on the day so we can continue to inspire new audiences to enjoy healthy, active lives.

"This award will make its debut next year and I’m sure all will agree this is a fitting tribute to Jan, and recognises the power that such ideas and energy can have in getting more people, more active, more often."

Neil King, managing director of énergie Fitness, said: “Jan’s family and the whole team at énergie Fitness are delighted to see his exceptional legacy recognised in such a positive way by ukactive and the fitness industry.

“Jan was a charismatic leader who was passionate about the development of people and the potential of every employee to grow and succeed within the business.

"The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award is, therefore, a very fitting way to sustain his influence within the sector in the years ahead.”