Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards

The Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) sponsor titled Safaricom PLC has committed 16 million shillings towards the sixteenth edition of SOYA Awards in a ceremony held in Nairobi.

From the reports, during the cheque presentation ceremony Paul Tergat SOYA founder thanked Safaricom for their support saying that the awards are the highlights of the Kenyan sporting calendar which are growing to become a premier sports event and therefore he’s honored to work with one of the biggest brands that believed in his dream even as he celebrates 16 years of rewarding sports personalities for their efforts throughout the season.

In addition, as he launched the 2019 edition of the event set to be held on 24th January 2020 in Mombasa county, he mentioned that the awards first held in 2004 with 6 categories were to recognize sporting athletes across sporting disciplines and the unique role of sports in shaping the Kenyan identity. The categories have grown into 18 categories, celebrating male and female athletes as well as coaches, community heroes and sports federations across all disciplines.

On the other side, Joseph Ogutu, Chief Projects Officer noted that Safaricom as a brand is extremely proud of the growth since the inaugural SOYA awards which rank second to Safaricom Lewa Marathon. He also said that the categories awarded keep all sports lovers hooked as they reach far and wide and recognize all disciplines therefore as ac company they are committed to supporting the initiatives in greater heights.

Amongst the categories to be awarded include the Overall Sports Personality of the Year, Sportsman and Woman of the Year, Team of the Year for men and women as well as Federation of the Year. Others include Coach of the Year, Community Hero or Heroine usually recognized for their contribution to sports in the community, Hall of Fame and Sports Personalities Living with Disability.

Tergat further called for investment on upcoming athletes from all stakeholders to keep Kenya’s flag high in all the disciplines that the country thrives in. He insisted that nominees be proud of their achievements of getting recognized from the pool of athletes in the country.

.