South Pacific Brewery, in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and the PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF), announce that the 2026 SP Sports Awards was officially launched today.
This year’s SP Sports Awards, now entering its 34tth edition, will be held under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams”.
Nominations are open for outstanding athletes in recognition of their achievements in both international and domestic competitions throughout 2025, across 12 categories.
Speaking during the launch, SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager, John Nilkare, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting sport in Papua New Guinea and outlined the nomination process.
“SP Brewery has long been a proud supporter of sport because we see its unique ability to bring people together. Guided by the vision of unity and inspiration, SP Brewery joined forces with the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation 34 years ago to create a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding athletes, teams, sports officials,” Mr Nilkare said.
Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination portal, via mail, or by hand-delivering entries to the PNG Olympic Committee office or SP Brewery Office in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo, and Goroka for the following award categories.
- Male Athlete of the Year
- Female Athlete of the Year
- Carbine Club-Team of the Year
- Brands Pacific-National Performance of the Year
- Community Sports Initiative
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Male Athlete of the Year
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Female Athlete of the Year
- CPL – Para- Athlete of the Year
- Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Officer of the year
- Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Media of the year
- Sports Photo of the Year
- People’s Choice Award
PNG Olympic Committee Secretary General Demond Kaviagu said, “The 2026 SP Sports Award theme, ‘Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams,’ captures the true spirit of sports in Papua New Guinea through sport, we celebrate diversity, the extraordinary range of talent, cultures, and comminutes that make up this nation. Through sport, we honor unity, the way sports dissolves differences, strengthens national identity, and reminds us of who we are together. And through sport, we inspire dreams, especially for our young people, who need to see living proof that discipline, dedication, and self-belief can create real opportunity.
“Join us in celebrating the dedication, talent, and perseverance that drive PNG Spory forward,” he added.
PNG Sports Foundation Director Sports Operations and Development, Geoffrey Gideon, spoke about the impact of sports in the community.
“Sports is a tool for empowerment, inclusion and transformation. Let us continue to invest in our youth, empower our women and uphold the values that make sport a force for good,” Mr. Gideon stated.
Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards has remained a significant platform in Papua New Guinea, recognizing sporting excellence and inspiring athletes to reach new heights.