SP Sports Awards

The programme is managed by Cricket PNG after it was launched in 2022. Initially rolled out in three provinces: NCD, Central, and Gulf, the programme was designed to help children develop personal skills and promote positive behaviours through the sports of Cricket.

Fidelis said he enjoys capturing sports moments because they are memorable. They inspire athletes and motivate him as a sports photographer.

The young photographer has his own way of selecting photos. Each one tells a story.

Fidelis selected his best sports photo moment and submitted it, earning him a nomination. He is convinced it would get him the award.

“The picture I chose has a strong meaning and it stands out from all the pictures. The picture shows courage and confidence (of) the athlete (running) barefoot and (winning) the gold.”

Carroll, renowned for his indomitable spirit during his illustrious career in the 1980s and 1990s, is set to inspire and captivate the audience with his insights and experiences. As one of the toughest players of his era, his presence at the awards night is a great honor for the event organizers.

"We are delighted to have Mark 'Spudd' Carroll join us for the awards night on the 27th of May," expressed John Nilkare, Corporate Affairs Manager of SP Brewery.

"His reputation as a formidable player precedes him, and we are eagerly anticipating his address."

Fenech, nicknamed the "Marrickville Mauler," achieved an impressive feat by winning titles in three weight divisions within just 20 fights over a span of 3 and a half years.

Fenech won his first world title in the IBF bantamweight division in 1985, with a one-sided, ninth-round TKO over Satoshi Shingaki of Thailand. He defended the bantamweight crown three times, including a rematch win over Shingaki and a 14th-round TKO over Olympic champion Steve McCrory of the United States.

“Such recognition at the national level reflects the commitment and discipline imparted by the coaches, team management and stakeholders into the development of sporting talents in Lae, especially at the community level in rugby union,” said Rosso.

“I am proud that PC Ravens represented my beloved Papuan Compound suburb and Lae City as a whole, and coming out champions at various tournaments, including the 2022 Trans Highway Rosso Cup Tournament in Lae.

PNG international rugby league stars, Justin Olam and Alex Johnson were nominated under the Male Athlete of the Year category and St George player Elsie Albert vies for the Female Athlete of the Year.

Rugby league clubs, Lae Snax Tigers (Team of The Year) and Waghi Tumbe (National Performance of the Year) have been nominated for their exceptional performance in last season’s Digicel Cup Competition. PNG NRL program, League Bilong Laif was nominated for Community Sports Initiative Award.

The SP Sports Awards will be held tomorrow night at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby. 

Olam is one of the three finalists named in the Sportsman Of The Year category apart from two other finalists, PNG Olympic weightlifter Morea Baru and Norman Vanua, PNG Cricket representative.

“It’s a great initiative set by SP Brewery in recognizing especially young Papua New Guinean athletes. It is my first time to be nominated for the awards and its great news for whoever that wins it,” Olam said.

Pottharst is one of Australia’s most famous beach volley baller. SPSA finalists and guests will have the opportunity to meet her during the awards ceremony at the Crown Hotel.

She won a bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Her story is one that demonstrates the power of courage, persistence and personal belief in overcoming countless challenges. Her drive to succeed with unparalleled strength, focus and determination allowed her to win that gold in the Sydney Olympics.

Chairperson of the organising committee, Andrew Lepani, called on the public to reward their sporting heroes and champions by nominating them for one of the categories on offer.

Nominations for all the 11 categories on offer have been steadily coming in since the launching of the Awards on January 5 this year and the organising committee is confident that more entries will be received near to the closing date.

A number of outstanding performances were held in 2018 which deserve recognition but they must be nominated to be eligible to contest for one of the awards.

“This is a fantastic number,” said Ronnie Mea, from the PNGSF, who is also a member of the SP Sports Awards Committee.

“But it is with no surprise as 2017 recorded a number of international sporting achievements in a number of codes.”

This year, the OSEP Sports Official of the Year category collected the highest number of nominations.

Mea said 21 nominations were received for 12 sports officials.

All nominations are now with the PNGSF.