Safaricom Announces 2013 SOYA Sponsorship

Nairobi, October 1st 2013… Leading integrated communications services provider Safaricom has announced a Kshs. 12 million investment for this year’s title sponsorship for the annual Sportsman of the Year Awards (SOYA).

“On the 10th anniversary of these awards we intend to raise the profile of this calendar event by not just having an event that is inward looking, but also allows us to draw from the inspiration of those who have challenged us,” said Safaricom’s Marketing Director, Rita Okuthe when handing over the sponsorship cheque.

She added, “The news of the breaking of the world’s coverage of the performance of the Berlin Marathon over the weekend, was very welcome coming after a gloomy week. Such is the positive impact that sportsmen and women have had and Safaricom is proud to play a role in appreciating and encouraging them”.

All past winners are expected to grace the event to not only honor the outstanding performers but also celebrate the years of existence since inception in 2004.

The event will also coincide with Kenya celebrating its 50th Anniversary since gaining independence- and will serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the country in the sporting arena during the period.

Safaricom, Ms. Okuthe noted, has invested in the ongoing Safaricom Athletics Series, the recently concluded Safaricom Rugby Series, and has continued sponsoring various sporting properties and supporting national teams thereby attesting to the commitment towards sports.

SOYA Founder and Chairman, Paul Tergat, thanked Safaricom for supporting sports development over the years.

“With Safaricom’s support, the event has become the premier sports awards event and besides the glamour, our top athletes get to be appreciated at home for the work they put into their various disciplines and I am very proud of that,” said Mr Tergat.

Past SOYA winners include Olympic Champion and world record holder David Rudisha who was crowned last year’s overall winner as well as Richard Matelong, Vivian Cheruiyot, Nancy Langat, Ulinzi Football Club and Gor Mahia Football Club.

This has been a great year for Kenyan sports men and women. Kenya finished fourth overall and first in Africa in the World Athletics Championships held in Moscow, Russia. The Kenya women’s volleyball team won the continental crown in the Africa Nations Cup.

The award ceremony will be held on 6th December.

Nairobi, October 1st 2013… Leading integrated communications services provider Safaricom has announced a Kshs. 12 million investment for this year’s title sponsorship for the annual Sportsman of the Year Awards (SOYA).

“On the 10th anniversary of these awards we intend to raise the profile of this calendar event by not just having an event that is inward looking, but also allows us to draw from the inspiration of those who have challenged us,” said Safaricom’s Marketing Director, Rita Okuthe when handing over the sponsorship cheque.

She added, “The news of the breaking of the world’s coverage of the performance of the Berlin Marathon over the weekend, was very welcome coming after a gloomy week. Such is the positive impact that sportsmen and women have had and Safaricom is proud to play a role in appreciating and encouraging them”.

All past winners are expected to grace the event to not only honor the outstanding performers but also celebrate the years of existence since inception in 2004.

The event will also coincide with Kenya celebrating its 50th Anniversary since gaining independence- and will serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the country in the sporting arena during the period.

Safaricom, Ms. Okuthe noted, has invested in the ongoing Safaricom Athletics Series, the recently concluded Safaricom Rugby Series, and has continued sponsoring various sporting properties and supporting national teams thereby attesting to the commitment towards sports.

SOYA Founder and Chairman, Paul Tergat, thanked Safaricom for supporting sports development over the years.

“With Safaricom’s support, the event has become the premier sports awards event and besides the glamour, our top athletes get to be appreciated at home for the work they put into their various disciplines and I am very proud of that,” said Mr Tergat.

Past SOYA winners include Olympic Champion and world record holder David Rudisha who was crowned last year’s overall winner as well as Richard Matelong, Vivian Cheruiyot, Nancy Langat, Ulinzi Football Club and Gor Mahia Football Club.

This has been a great year for Kenyan sports men and women. Kenya finished fourth overall and first in Africa in the World Athletics Championships held in Moscow, Russia. The Kenya women’s volleyball team won the continental crown in the Africa Nations Cup.

The award ceremony will be held on 6th December.