Hard-work, dedication and a willingness to take on challenges have always been a few keys to major success stories, much can be said for 24- year- old Patricia Keamo who took out the Trukai Sponsored Sports Media of the Year Award at the 30th SP Sports Awards on Saturday night in Port Moresby. Her down to earth personality and her admirable persistence in her reporting and coverage of sporting events in 2022 made her produce a variety of sports news items reaching audiences at both national and international levels. During her speech, she thanked all stakeholders involved for her development as a sports reporter, giving thanks to those who supported her back at The National Newspaper and especially to the various sporting federations. “I would like to thank all the National Federations. Without your responses and invitations to the various sporting events, we wouldn’t be able to tell the stories of the athletes and teams, both domestic and international.” An excited Patricia stated that she is very young in the media industry and to accomplish so much in the time that she’s worked is amazing, and when asked how she felt to be awarded for her contributions to the growth of sport in the country she replied, “A lot of emotions actually, I didn’t expect this. I can’t describe how it feels but I’m excited. I’m very grateful to be recognized and I hope people can see the power of sports and what media can do to push the agenda.” She also mentioned that a lot of people contributed to getting her to where she is at right now and is grateful to be recognized. Ms. Keamo also said it’s a challenge being a female journalist in the country where journalism has for a long time been a male dominated field, and with this award, she hopes to encourage other aspiring young women to take up the mantle and challenge themselves in the field. “Take a leap of faith, that’s what I did. I had zero experience in sports reporting, I started off with hard news. You might not be comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone, but you never know when you take that leap, what you explore out there and what you learn is a mystery.” Keamo also gave a huge shout out to the editor in Chief for the National Newspaper for taking a chance with her when she left school after completing her second year, and helped to mold and shape her into who she is as now as a vibrant young reporter.