News Update

SPB Marketing Manager Glenn Muller and PNGSF Secretary General Sir John Dawanincura at the press conference on 30th January

At a Press Conference today, major sponsor of the SP Sports Awards, SP Brewery, announced the introduction of a new National Performance Award aimed at rewarding sporting achievements within PNG.
According to SPB Marketing Manager Glenn Muller, in the 15 year history of the SP Sports Awards focus has been on athletes and administrators that have achieved excellence on the international stage.
“However there are many dedicated athletes achieving great things in local and national competition that for a number of reasons will never be recognised on the international scene. We feel it is time for us to honour their unique achievements and celebrate their special contribution to sport in PNG. “Reflecting the importance of this award we will be contributing prize money of K4,500, making it one of the most prestigious on offer in the SP Sports Awards,” said Mr Muller.

PNG Sports Federation Secretary General and Chairman of the SP Sports Awards Organising Committee Sir John Dawanincura explained that the award is designed to recognise an athlete, team, technical official or administrator that has performed extremely well in 2006 at the national level.

“Candidates will be judged on: ‘Outstanding performance at either
club, district, provincial or national level; Consistent improvement in the year;
good role model of sport and has exhibited and promoted good sportsmanship qualities,” said Sir John.

Mr Muller also announced that SP Brewery has increased the prize monies for this year by 30 per cent.

“We recognise that achievements cannot be realised on sporting prowess and dedication alone. It costs money to compete to international standards and we hope that the increase in prize money will help our home grown champions to recover some of their costs,”
added Mr Muller.

This year’s SP Sports Awards is themed ‘Aiming Higher.’ “From the Breweries perspective we consider this very appropriate as it closely reflects our company’s own aspirations. Like the country’s champion athletes we want to be the best, and we are willing to put in the hard yards to achieve it. We also like to be recognised for our efforts and our international gold medal achievement last year has certainly spurred us on to even greater heights.”

Mr Muller emphasised that the awards are in place. “Now what we all have to do is find the worthy recipients. We are lucky that 2006 saw a lot of great sporting achievements, so it shouldn’t be that hard. We’re appealing to all national sporting Federations and the general public to honour your sportsmen, women, team, administrators and reporters by nominating them for one of the thirteen different categories in the SP Sports Awards.”

Sir John added that with the introduction of the new award, the SP Sports Awards Organising Committee is anticipating another record year of nominations.

“So I emphasise to the National Federations to do justice to their athletes and officials by submitting nominations before 30th March 2007,” concluded Sir John.

SPB and PNGSF also acknowledged the support sponsors – EMTV, PNGFM, Post Courier, Crowne Plaza Port Moresby and the Air Niugini, saying that their continued backing over many years has significantly contributed to the success of the SP Sports Awards and the development of sport in PNG.

For any queries on the Media Release, contact the SP Brewery Corporate
Affairs Department on 302 8255 or email gorethy.semi@sp.com.pg or the
PNG Sports Federation on 325 1411.