Team PNG athletes call for nominations

Team PNG athletes are calling on the public for more nominations for the 2017 SP Sports Awards.

Chairman of the organising committee, Andrew Runawery, said as of last Monday, only ten nominations have been received for the 11 categories.

“These have all come from the New Guinea Islands region,” said Runawery.

Powerlifting champion, Linda Pulsan, said winning the award was a great achievement for her.

“Just by being nominated already shows a great recognition, that there are people out there watching you and appreciate what you are doing, and it encourages and motivates you to continue to do your best for the country,” said Pulsan.

“I’ve won a number of awards over the past 15 years of my career and each one holds a very special memory.

“I think the most important thing is being nominated. Win or lose, having someone put your name in means you’re valued by the community and your national federation.

Super Fish Ryan Pini said: “Please get out there, get a nomination form and put your entries in.

“My team and I won the Team of the Year last year. What the award meant was that all the hard work we put in was recognised.”

Xenia Peni said: “It’s not just athletes like Ryan Pini and Dika Toua that are eligible for the awards, it’s the person that goes to a community event every weekend, the referees, coaches and team managers.

“I call upon everyone to come forward to and put in your nominations.”

The 11 categories are;

  • People’s Choice Award
  • Male Athlete of the Year
  • Female Athlete of the Year
  • Team of the Year
  • National Performance of the Year
  • Community Sports Initiative
  • Junior Male Athlete of the Year
  • Junior Female Athlete of the Year
  • Best Sportsperson with a Disability
  • Sports Official of the Year
  • Sports Photo of the Year

Nominations close on April 13.

Those who wish to obtain a nomination form can find it in the Post-Courier newspaper, at the SP Brewery office, PNG Sports Foundation, City Pharmacy outlets and the PNG Olympic Committee Office or download it from the website www.pngolympic.org, events@pngoc.org.pg, www.sp.com.pg.

(File pic)

Author: 
Troy Taule