The 2026 SP Sports Awards were officially launched in Port Moresby city recently, marking the beginning of the 34th edition of Papua New Guinea’s premier sporting recognition event.
The awards, an initiative of South Pacific Brewery in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation, celebrates outstanding sporting achievements across the country under the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.”
The annual awards recognize athletes for their performances in both domestic and international competitions throughout 2025, with nominations now open across 12 categories.
Speaking at the launch, SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare reaffirmed the company’s long-standing support for sports development in Papua New Guinea.
“SP Brewery has long been a proud supporter of sport because we see its unique ability to bring people together,” Mr. Nilkare said.
“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, and sports officials.”
Athletes, teams and contributors to sport can be nominated through the official online portal, via mail, or by hand-delivered entries to the PNG Olympic Committee office or SP Brewery offices in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo and Goroka.
The 2026 award categories are:
- 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 Official 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 Desmond Kaviagu said the theme reflects the deeper role sport plays in nation-building.
“The 2026 SP Sports Awards theme, ‘Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams,’ captures the true spirit of sports in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Through sport, we celebrate the extraordinary range of talent, cultures and communities that make up this nation. We honour unity and strengthen national identity. And we inspire dreams, especially for our young people, who need to see living proof that discipline, dedication and self-belief can create real opportunity.”
He encouraged the public to participate in recognizing the athletes and officials who continue to elevate PNG sport.
“Join us in celebrating the dedication, talent and perseverance that drive PNG sport forward,” Mr. Kaviagu added.
PNG Sports Foundation Director of Sports Operations and Development Geoffrey Gideon highlighted the broader social impact of sport.
“Sports is a tool for empowerment, inclusion and transformation,” Mr. Gideon said. “Let us continue to invest in our youth, empower our women, and uphold the values that make sport a force for good.”
Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards have grown into one of the country’s most significant sporting platforms, recognizing excellence and inspiring athletes nationwide to pursue higher achievement.
For more information, the public can contact the SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Department on 302 8349 or via email at Jana.Zoriry@sp.com.pg or Angela.Peng@sp.com.pg.
