Baru, Beu earn top honors in SP Sports Awards
The 2025 SP Sports Awards was staged last night at the Crown Hotel with winners revealed from the 36 finalists across 12 categories.
The top honors went to weightlifting sensation Morea Baru and sprint star Leonnie Beu, who won the Sports Male and Female Athlete of The Year, respectively.
Some of the country’s outstanding athletes alongside sports officials and administrators convened in Port Moresby to witness the annual SP Sports Awards last night.
The occasion recognizing the efforts of athletes and officials for their contributions in the sports fraternity unveiled the winners, starting with the best photo and sports media of the year.
Highlight of the night was shone on Baru and Beu, taking out the Sports Male and Female of the year awards.
The elite weightlifter was recognised for his recent efforts in the Olympic Games, whilst athletics representative Beu, stood out in her code – registering her name as one of the region’s top runners in 2024 events.
Other notable awards saw Valley Hunters scoop the national performance and people’s choice award, for a striking campaign in 2024 Capital Rugby Union season.
Hunters, inspired by Wallabies great Will Genia won last year’s CRU premiership title, ending a long-awaited finals drought.
PNG Mosquitoes won the Team of the year award for retaining the AFL Pacific Cup last year.
Para-athlete Manega Tapari captured the sports community with her inspirational performance in Oceania, Olympic qualifiers last year, winning gold in Taekwondo. Taekwondo group also added another pearl under their name with coach Edward Kassman wining the Sports Official award for guiding Tapari.
Adding onto the recognition list included emerging cricket talent Gaba Frank, who was named the Junior Male Athlete of the Year and squash athlete Timonaliz Alarcoz won the Junior Female athlete award.
Community Initiative award was given to Roland Muruyaru for establishing the Soccer Kick Out Home Brew program whilst the Stan Joyce Award went to Pacific Industries for their continuous support towards sports in the country.
Guest speaker Veitu Diro, whilst congratulating the winners also encouraged other athletes and officials to put in more effort to be recognised at such award-winning platform.
The 33rd edition of SP Sports Awards successfully concluded under the theme: Legends of sports, 50 years of excellence and inspiration.