SOYA Awards marks 20th anniversary

In the world of sports, every victory, every record broken, and every moment of sheer determination deserves recognition. 

For two decades now, the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) has been the pinnacle of celebrating these extraordinary achievements.

SOYA panellists Chairperson Chris Mbaisi said this year's celebrations span the entirety of the year, commemorating two decades of honouring excellence in various categories of sports.

From track and field to swimming, from football to basketball, SOYA recognizes the best of the best.

"This year has been exemplary," Mbaisi declared, emphasizing the growth of the award system over the years.

"Athletes have faced stiff competition, pushing themselves to new heights of performance."

The process of nominations for the SOYA Awards is a meticulous affair, spanning the entire year.

Panelists monitor athletes' performances closely, assessing their achievements and contributions to their respective sports.

As Mbaisi noted, the paralympics athletes also perform at the highest level, overcoming incredible odds to compete at the Calibre of competition that SOYA recognizes.

"We look at how athletes beat all odds while competing, "he explained" and other events that showcase the indomitable spirit of the human athlete.

"With the 20th-anniversary celebrations kicking off, the SOYA Awards stand as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of sports, honouring those who inspire us with their passion, dedication, and unwavering determination.

2023 SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERSSPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR 

 1. Kelvin Kiptum (Athletics)   

2. Daniel Simu (Athletics)

3. Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Athletics)

SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR   

1. Faith Kipyegon (Athletics)   

2. Beatrice Chebet (Athletics)

3. Mary Moraa (Athletics)

SPORTSMAN LIVING WITH DISABILITY    

1. David Ngugi (Special Olympics-Cycling)

2. Kelvin Kipkogei (Deaf Athletics)

3. Titus Maundu (Para-Athletics)

SPORTS WOMAN WITH DISABILITY 

 1. Asiya Sururu ( Para-Rowing)

2. Purity Kandie (Special Olympics, Athletics)

3. Nancy Chelagat (Para-Athletics)

SPECIAL CATEGORY (MEN)

National Special Olympics Handball Team

SPECIAL CATEGORY (WOMEN)

National Special Olympics Beach Volleyball Team

SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR ( MEN) 

 1. Kabras Sugar ( Rugby)   

2. Roll Ball National Team

3. National Under 18 Football Team

SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN) 

 1. 3x3 National Basketball Team

2. National Volleyball Team

3. Roll Ball National Team

COACH OF THE YEAR

Evelyn Kidogo (Basketball)

MOST PROMISING (BOY)   

1. Ismael Kipkurui (Athletics)   

2. Aldrine Kibet (Football)

3. Nathaniel Muchoki (Chess)

MOST PROMISING (GIRL) 

1. Valerie Nekesa (Football) 

2 Bianca Ngecu (Golf)

3. Nancy Cherop (Athletics)

SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR

Isaac Muresia (Namwela)

SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR (BOYS') 

1. Koyonzo (Rugby)   

2. Namwela (Namwela)

3. St Anthony, Kitale (Football)

SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR (GIRLS') 

1. Kwathanze (Volleyball)   

2. Nyamira (Hockey)

3. Butere Girls High School (Football)

Hall of Fame Henry Rono (Athletics)