Four new awards in 2012 SP sports honours

THE inclusion of four new awards for the 2012 SP Sports Awards have shown there has been an increase of awareness of the sports awards in the communities around the country.
Chairperson of the SP Sports Awards committee Emily Taule when announcing the finalists stated that apart from nomination from Port Moresby, they also received nominations from as far as Kimbe, Chimbu, Oro, Tabubil, Oro and Lae.
The four new awards were in-line with the sports committee awards vision to see more understanding and appreciation of the awards from individuals, sporting group and communities.
Also this year will see the awarding of Sir John Dawanincura Ambassador awards to sportsmen and women who promote PNG apart from taking part in their respective sports.
Former rugby league player and Kumul winger Marcus Bai was the inaugural winner of the award, followed by Mae Koime.
Taule said they had received 80 nominations.
The awards nights is scheduled for May 26 at Crown Plaza Hotel.
These year’s finalist are: Sport media award of the year: Andrew Molen (Wantok), Paul Taumik Jr (NBC), Sophie Yaruso (EMTV);
Technical official of the year: David Charlie (soccer), Joe Efi (boxing), Iwila Jacobs (weightlifting);
Coach of the year: Kwalum Apisah (tennis), Naomi Polum (athletics), John Larry (rugby union)
Sports administrator of the year: Ricky Berua (boxing), Rickinson Mekere (karate), Hillary Wong (tennis);
Best sportsperson with disability: Timothy Harabe (para-sports – weightlifting), Elias Larry (paralympics);
Distinguish services to sports: Evan Digara (Oro volleyball), Elmo Pasiro, Hillary Wong (tennis);
Sports club of the year: Goroka Bowling Club (bowls), Kimbe Rebels (union), Raukele (volleyball);
Junior female athlete of the year: Jacklyn Barney (karate), Judith Meauri (swimming), Marcia
Tere-Apisah (tennis);
Junior male athlete of the year: Steven Kari (weightlifting), Stanford Gore Kawale (swimming), John Rivan (athletics);
Community sports initiative awards: Arua William Rarua – Liklik Cricket (cricket), Kurumul Rugby league (rugby league), Space Christine Karate (karate);
Team of the year: Barramundi (cricket), PNG Palais (rugby 7s), Women tennis
double (tennis);
Sportswomen of the year: Abigal Tere-Apisah (tennis), Dika Toua (weightlifting), Toea Wisil (athletics);
Sportsman of the year: Rarua Dikana (cricket), Ryan Pini (swimming), Jack Viyufa (bodybuilding); and
Sports photo of the year: Karo lad (Peter Moide), Legends (Andrew Molen), Tears  (Andrew Molen).