Safaricom has today announced KES2m (about $14,000)cash sponsorship for the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) to commemorate 20 years running the theme SOYA @20 Celebrating Sporting Excellence.
This year’s edition marks 20 years since it was incepted by the legendary long distance runner, Paul Tergat with the aim of recognising the country’s top performing sports personalities across all disciplines. Since then, the awards have recognised outstanding performers in sports in Kenya, with great sportsmen and sportswomen such as Eluid Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala – to mention a few – being recognised for their outstanding performances on the local and world stages.
“Safaricom has been on this journey with SOYA since its beginning 20 years ago and has invested over KES 300m in cash and kind,” CEO Safaricom PLC Peter Ndegwa said. “The vision and leadership of Dr Paul Tergat has made the platform what it is today, and we are proud to be associated with such an integral and renowned sporting asset in Kenya. We as Safaricom are very passionate about transforming the lives of our customers, especially through their passion points, and that is why we have invested heavily in sports to provide opportunities for Kenyans to thrive in the things they love.”
This year’s SOYA has 13 categories, including the school contest, which makes a return after a one-year hiatus. Reigning East Africa hockey and volleyball champions Nyamira Girls from Siaya and Kwanzanthe from Machakos counties are among the contenders. Other categories include; Sports personality of the year award, Sportswoman/man of the year, Team of the year Men/women, Sportswoman/man living with a disability, Coach of the year award, School Team of the Year (Boy/Girl) among others.
The event will be graced by 1,000 guests and will be hosted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on the 1 March 2024.
“Today marks another year in our 20-year tapestry in recognising and uplifting the great sportsmen and sportswomen of Kenya for their outstanding contribution to their disciplines. I am very proud of the legacy we have built and the partners, such as Safaricom, who have walked with us since the beginning. Together, we have created a platform to transform and celebrate sporting excellence, and I hope we can continue to do so for another 20 years.” SOYA founder and chairman Paul Tergat said.
