Rosefelo
and Iro are sportsman and
sportswoman of the year
Athletes Siosi Rosefelo and Happilyn Iro are sportsman and sportswoman of the year.
The National Sports Council announced the two winners in a ceremony last night.
Sixteen-year-old Rosefelo was a rising athletic star who had represented the country in various events in the region.
His most recent achievement was winning gold in an Oceania athletic competition held in Australia.
“This was a surprise for me,” Rosefelo told the Sunday Star last night.
“But I’m humble and proud to be recognised this way.
“This was a real encouragement for me as an athlete,” he said.
Iro, who won the sportswoman’s title, was one of the country’s faces in weightlifting.
She had represented the country in various weightlifting competitions around the world.
“I don’t expect this but I thanked the organisers for recognising my efforts,” Iro said.
Others that won awards last night are:
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Coach of the year – Doreen Nignalo (tennis)
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Sports Federation of the year – Weightlifting Federation
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Veteran sports person of the year – John Namblo (soccer)
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National Sports Council special award of the year – Hellen Saogaha (Paralympics)
National Sports Council chief executive officer David Firisua said the awards were made to recognise the contribution the athletes, coaches, and sports federation to the development of sports in the country.
Firisua said the winners were selected by a separate committee made up of people from different walks of life. He said the committee thoroughly and critically check every nominations before making the final decision.
Governor General Sir Frank Kabui was the guest of honour at last night’s awards ceremony.
Deputy Prime Minister and minister responsible for sports Manasseh Maelanga was also at hand to present the awards.
By Bradford Theonomi
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