SP Sports Awards Launched

The annual South Pacific (SP) Sports Awards officially launched its 33rd edition of the awards ceremony today (Tuesday, February 25th) at the Sir John Guise Stadium Conference Room in Port Moresby. 

Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards has continually recognized Papua New Guinea’s sportsmen and women, including administrators and technical officials for their contributions in various sporting codes across the country and abroad. 

The South Pacific Brewery in partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) founded the SP Sports Awards in 1992 spanning 33 years in giving prominence and recognition to PNG’s athletes, administrators, and technical officials. 

This year’s theme for the 33rd SP Sports Awards is “Legends of Sports: 50 years of Excellence and Inspiration”, which features 13 categories. 

The awards will honor and celebrate PNG’s outstanding athletes for their achievements in both domestic and international competitions throughout 2024, and also give recognition to individuals who made a significant impact in their communities through sports last year. 

SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare officially launched the 33rd SP Sports Awards and emphasized the importance of the annual awards. 

“It gives me great pleasure to officiate the launching of the 33rd SP Sports Awards. The SP Awards remains PNG’s most prestigious awards ceremony, honoring the remarkable achievements of our elite athletes,” Nilkare stated.

“This esteemed event has been made possible through partnerships between the South Pacific Brewery, PNG Olympic Committee, and PNG Sports Foundation.

“As we gather to celebrate the outstanding milestones and achievements in sports, we are reminded of those unforgettable moments when our favorite athletes crossed the finish line or scored the winning goal. 

“Sports have the unique power to unite the people and inspire the nation to strive for victory. It was with a great vision of inspiration that united our people.

“Thirty-three years ago, the SP Brewery embarked on a journey with the PNG Olympic Committee and PNG Sports Foundation to create this prestigious award to recognize and celebrate excellence.”

PNG Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai highlighted what the awards ceremony means to the athletes, administrators and technical officials, thanking the SP Brewery for their long-standing support and partnership. 

“This year marks the 33rd SP Sports Awards since its inception in 1992. From the outset, I would like to acknowledge the long-term support of SP Brewery in recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of Team PNG since the 1991 South Pacific Games,” Waiwai said.

“SP Brewery’s partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee and PNG Sports Foundation over the last 33 years reflects a dedicated commitment for the development of sports in our country and a celebration of champions in different sports.

“The SP Sports Awards continues to evolve, recognizing the growth and excellence in PNG sports and we are grateful for our partners' continued support.”

PNG Sports Foundation CEO Micah James echoed similar sentiments shared by Mr. Nilkare and Mrs. Waiwai, highlighting the need for further collaboration to promote, support and recognize PNG’s athletes while commemorating the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. 

“We gather here to launch the 2025 SP Sports Awards to celebrate the achievements of our athletes, technical officials, administrators, and others who continue to raise and shape the standards of our games,” Micah said.

“While we contemplate on the 2025 SP Sports Awards, let us for a moment look back and honor our achievements in sports and how it has shaped our country and the significance of celebrating PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

“Let’s commit to making sports a shining example of what’s possible when people from all backgrounds come together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Let’s celebrate the rich variety of humanity that sports bring together and in doing so, it creates a more inclusive and energetic sporting community for everyone.”

Following the speeches delivered by Mr. Nilkare, Mrs. Waiwai, and Mr. James, both the manual and online nominations were officially launched. Nomination has opened and will close on April 18th, with the awards to be hosted on June 14th at Crowne Hotel. 

Hereunder are the categories of the 13 nominations:

• Male Athlete of the Year

• Female Athlete of the Year

• Carbine Club - Team of the Year

• Brands Pacific - National Performance of the Year

• Community Sports Initiative

• Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners PNG - Junior Male Athlete of the Year

• Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners PNG - Junior Female Athlete of the Year

• CPL - Para-Athlete of the Year

• Trukai Industries Ltd - Sports Official of the Year

• Trukai Industries Ltd - Sports Media of the Year

• Sports Photo of the Year

• People’s Choice Award

• Biannual Stan Joyce Award, which recognizes the organizations that provide outstanding support through their continued partnership with sports in PNG.