The Crown Hotel in Port Moresby city came to life last night as Papua New Guinea’s sporting elite gathered for the prestigious SP Sports Awards 2025.
The 33rd edition of the awards was a momentous occasion, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Papua New Guinea (PNG) athletes in the past year (2024).
Under the theme “Legends of Sports: 50 Years of Excellence and Inspiration,” the evening was a powerful tribute to the countless athletes, administrators, and coaches who have shaped the nation’s sporting landscape.
A list of winners across thirteen categories received their awards. These categories as well as the winners are as follows:
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Sports Photo of the Year award- Tony Haro
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Sports Official of the Year- Edward Kassman
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Sports Media of the Year- Jamie Haro
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Community Sports of the Year- Roland Muluyaru
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Para-athlete of the Year- Manega Tapari
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Junior Female Athlete of the Year- Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch
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Junior Male Athlete of the Year- Gaba Frank
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Stan Joyce Award- Pacific Industries Limited
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National Performance of the Year- Valley Hunters
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Team of the Year- PNG Mosquitos
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Female Athlete of the Year- Leonie Beu
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Male Athlete of the Year- Morea Baru
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“As we gather here to recognize the sporting achievements and excellence, let us also acknowledge the significant role sports has played in building the nation over the past fifty years.”
“Sports unites Papua New Guinea and enhance our culture and diversity.”
In addition, he also highlighted that for fifty years, the athletes’ sporting power has put PNG on the world stage and the sporting legends have shaped and inspired many since their first participation in the 1976 Summer Olympic Games.
“They have shown that through passion and hardworking, we can perform against the world’s best and that we can dare to dream in achieving the impossible.”
SP Brewery acknowledged that sporting achievements and development can be a key driver for socio economic progress and inspire behavioral change in the country.
This is why SP Brewery has continued to significantly invest in this important partnership with the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation.
He further mentioned that SP Brewery as a proud and responsible corporate citizen, is committed to promoting the development of sports in the country well into the next fifty years.
Meanwhile, President of the PNG Olympic Committee, Mrs. Emma Waiwai, also shared similar sentiments stating that this year’s edition is made especially meaningful as a light is shone on the sporting legends and individuals who have paved a way for generations of athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.
“These legends laid the foundation for the very same system we celebrate today.”
“We honour the past to ignite the future. Therefore, when our young athletes see these trailblazers celebrated on a stage like this, they understand that greatness is possible.”
“I am incredibly proud of the strides our athletes have made across all codes and even proud of the spirit in which they carry our flag.”
The selection panel for the SP Sports Awards had a challenging task this year with over 210 nominations received across all categories, reflecting the immense talent and growing competitive spirit within PNG sports.
The event at the Crown Hotel was also a chance to acknowledge the crucial support from families, friends, partners, and dedicated sponsors including Trukai Industries Limited, Coca-Cola Europacific Pacifc Partners PNG, Brands Pacific, City Pharmacy Limited Group, Carbine Clube of PNG, Crown Hotel, Air Niugini, Vodafone PNG, Next of a Kin, Kalang Advertising Limited, Color Boys PNG and KPMG Nominees (PNG) Limited. 
