Mombasa to host 2019 SOYA gala

For the second year running, Mombasa County will host the 16th edition of the annual Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) slated for January 24, 2020.

The awards founded by legendary athlete Paul Tergat is meant to recognise outstanding sportsmen and women throughout the year in different categories.

While launching the event yesterday at a Mombasa hotel, organisers received a massive boost of sh500,000 from United Bank for Africa (UBA) as more sponsors continue to come on board.

Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho who was represented by Chief of Staff and acting Secretary Job Tumbo said the partnership with SOYA will see the coastal city benefit and become another sports tourism hub.

The governor said that apart from the support from the county, his foundation- the Hassan Joho Foundation will also contribute Sh500,000 for the success of the event.

“Sports industry is a multi-billion global industry and as a country we must start professionalising this industry and harness the economic opportunities that come with it. Our young men and women need not all be doctors and surgeons. We need to start mentoring them into sporting careers. There are well paying jobs and business ventures in sports including sports related services and enterprises,” Joho said.

Tergat was represented at the event by rugby ace Willy Ambaka who hailed SOYA for supporting sports in the country.

In the 15th edition held earlier this year at the Fort Jesus, Eliud Kipchoge emerged the best overall sportsman 2018.