CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT 34TH SP SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT

CAPTION: PNG athletes receiving their awards at the 34TH SP Sports Award Night. Kalang Advertising Limited CEO Mr Bill Wartovo presenting the People’s Choice Award to a representative who received the award on behalf of Pais Wisil.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

PAPUA New Guinea’s finest athletes, coaches, teams and sporting organisations were honoured at the 34th SP Sports Awards held on Saturday night at Crown Hotel in Port Moresby.

The annual awards, proudly sponsored by SP Brewery, were supported by key partners Trukai Industries Limited, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG, Brands Pacific, City Pharmacy Limited Group, Carbine Club of PNG, Crown Hotel, Air Niugini, Next of Kin, Kalang Advertising Limited, Color Boys PNG and KPMG Nominees (PNG) Limited.

A total of 12 winners emerged from a field of 33 finalists, showcasing the depth of talent across Papua New Guinea sport.

The 34th SP Sports Awards once again highlighted the dedication, resilience and excellence of athletes, coaches, officials and sporting organisations who continue to elevate Papua New Guinea’s sporting reputation on the regional and international stage.

The evening began with the presentation of several major awards, with Simon Keslep bagging the Sports Photo of the Year award, Jonah Kautu Academy claimed the Community Sports Initiative of the Year Award, Sports journalists of the Year Award was awarded to Terry Longbut, recognised by Trukai Industries under the Sports Media of the Year Award category.

Among the night’s top honours, Willie Mavara Tamasi was named Coach of the Year following a remarkable 2025 campaign that saw Papua New Guinea weightlifters achieve consistent success on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Dorna Longbut was awarded the CPL Para-Athlete of the Year title in recognition of her outstanding performances, while Sparrows Netball Club secured the Brands Pacific National Performance of the Year Award.

The PNG Lewas were also recognised for their achievements, taking home the Carbine Club Team of the Year Award after another successful year representing the country internationally.

Rising talent Lawrence Reva Oala claimed the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG Junior Male Athlete of the Year Award, while Ramona Padio was crowned Female Athlete of the Year.

Pais Wisil received the Peoples Choice Award, sponsored by Kalang Advertising Ltd and presented by the CEO Mr Bill Wartovo to a representative who received the award on Wisil’s behalf.

The night’s biggest winner was Pais Wisil, who completed a memorable double by claiming both the Athlete of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Award.