South Pacific Brewery in partnership with Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation has officially launched 2026 SP Sports Awards with nominations now open to the public.

The 34^th SPSA edition will be celebrated through the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.

SP Sports Awards is now welcoming nominations for outstanding athletes, in recognition of their achievements in both international and domestic competitions throughout 2025, across 12 categories.

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 recognise and celebrate outstanding athletes, teams, sports officials.”

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 offices in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo, and Goroka for the following award categories:

1. Male Athlete of the Year

2. Female Athlete of the Year

3. Carbine Club – Team of the Year

4. Brands Pacific – National Performance of the Year

5. Community Sports Initiative

6. Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Male Athlete of the Year

7. Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Female Athlete of the Year

8. CPL – Para‑Athlete of the Year

9. Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Official of the Year

10. Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Media of the Year

11. Sports Photo of the Year

12. People’s Choice Award

PNGOC Secretary General, Desmond Kaviagu said, “The 2026 SP Sports Awards 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 communities that make up this nation. We honor 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.”

“Join us in celebrating the dedication, talent, and perseverance that drive PNG sport forward,” he added.

PNG Sports Foundation Director Sports Operations & 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,” said Gideon.

Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards has remained a significant platform in PNG, recognizing sporting excellence and inspiring athletes to reach new heights.