SOYA in Ksh 3.7 million boost ahead of awards gala

The Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards(SOYA) got a major shot in the arm Friday after Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) presented its sponsorship of Ksh. 3 million towards the 15th edition of the event.

At the same time, SuperSport and MultiChoice Kenya have announced a Sh750, 000 boost for the kitty.

GOtv Kenya General Manager Simon Kariithi reassured the event organizers of MultiChoice Kenya’s commitment to promote sports in the country.

The event, slated for Fort Jesus on the 11th of January, 2019, a first to be held out of Nairobi will see sportsmen and women who had exemplary performance during the last year in review rewarded.

Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony at a city hotel, Communications Authority.

Director for Frequency Spectrum Management Tom Olwero hailed the partnership it enjoys with SOYA.

“Communications Authority is a proud partner of this initiative for the past 9 years. We believe in the spirit of sportsmanship. We also acknowledge the role sports plays in Kenya and the great effort our sportsmen and women put in to excel,” he said.

“Talent identification and mentorship remain a main area for nurturing sporting talent that uses sports as an instrument of promoting national cohesion and economic growth through sports tourism.

“We wish to see more and more sports personalities come up as we nurture and grow this discipline,” he added on to say.

On his part, SOYA brand ambassador, Douglas Wakihuri, acknowledged the support corporates like CA give towards feting our sports heroes and heroines.

“We celebrate these partnerships as we celebrate these ambassadors of our country for their exemplary performance,” said an elated Wakihuri.

Communication’s Authority Acting Director, Frequency Spectrum Management Tom Olwero, said the institution has sponsored the SOYA gala over the years because it identifies with the objectives behind the event which includes identifying and nurturing sports talent across sports disciplines.

“Over the years, we have seen young boys and girls recognized under the Most Promising category go on to win medals at major international events. This does not only show that Kenya has abundant talent but it is possible to identify such talent at an early age and cheer them on to success,” said Olwero.