The 2017 SP Sports Awards were held last night, recognising sporting excellence and achievements in the country.
The event, held at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Port Moresby, brought together the best sports athletes and officials from all over the country. Last night marked 25 years of the Sports Awards.
Guest speaker at the event, rugby league legend ‘The King' Wally Lewis, congratulated the winners.
“The Sports Awards are a chance for the athletes and officials to get some sort of recognition for the wonderful work they’ve been doing for the country,” said Lewis.
He also encouraged athletes and officials to never give up and keep their dreams alive.
The winners of the 2017 SP Sports Awards:
Sports Media of the Year: EMTV sports coverage (Electronic Media)
Sports Photo of the Year: Golden Girl - Nicolette Ageva by Mark Talia (Post-Courier)
Sports Official of the Year: Frank Robby (Weightlifting)
Community Sports Initiative: Girls Empowerment Though Cricket (Cricket PNG)
Best Sportsperson with a disability: Joyleen Jeffrey (Para Athletics)
People’s Choice Award: Colin Geno (Rugby League)
Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Ryan Maskelyne (Swimming)
Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Violet Apisah (Tennis)
National Performance of the Year: Lae Snax Tigers (Rugby League)
Female Athlete of the Year: Thelma Toua (Weightlifting)
Team of the Year: PNG Kapuls (Football)
Male Athlete of the Year: Morea Baru (Weightlifting)
(Picture: The EMTV sports team with their prize)