Finalists for SP Sports Awards announced

The annual SP Sports Awards has announced its 2024 finalists on Thursday, May 9th, at Sir John Guise Stadium Master Lounge in Port Moresby.

This year will mark the 32nd Anniversary for SP Sports Awards, when it hosts its prestigious event on Saturday, June 1st, at Crowne Hotel.  

A total of 33 finalists from the different sporting categories have been announced by the Chairman of the SP Sports Awards Selection Panel, Warwick Vele.

Mr. Vele was happy with the nominations and emphasized that the federations need to invest more in the junior development programs. 

“It was very pleasing to see a significant jump in number and quality of nominations, with a good mix of online and paper-based nominations,” Chairman Vele stated.

“There were a couple of categories where we would have liked to see more nominations, especially with our junior athletes, so I would like to encourage the federations to continue highlighting their juniors coming through.

“We took great delight in seeing what’s happening in our communities around the country and giving opportunities for recognition to those participants and programs that don’t always get the high level of exposure that our more organized sports do.”

PNG Olympics Committee President, Sir John Dawanincura, echoed similar sentiments shared by Vele and emphasized the importance of the nominations for both the para-athletes and able-bodied athletes. He acknowledged their dedication and commitment to represent PNG at international sporting events.