TheCable

Organisers of Nigerian Sports Award (NSA) have announced opening of entries for the 2019 edition.

According to the NSA’s executive director, Kayode Idowu, the nominations opened on June 19 and will end on October 13.

Idowu said a total of 21 categories were open for nomination from the general public in this edition.

“These categories recognize individuals, males, females, physically challenge, continental participants, indigenous games, media and community builders who include Racket Sports Person of the Year (Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton and Squash), Team Sports Person of the Year (Handball, Volleyball, Football, Basketball), Combat Sports Personality of the Year (Wrestling, Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and Boxing), Individual Sports Person of the Year (Weightlifting, Athletics), Basketball Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Footballer of the Year (Women), Footballer of the Year (Men),” he said.

“Others are Wrestler of the Year, School Sport Award, Para Sports Person of the Year, Team of the Year, Athletics Star of the Year, Sports Governor of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year (Radio), Sports Journalist of the Year (TV), Sports Journalist of the Year (Print) and Sports Photo Journalist of the Year.”

The NSA boss also said that nominations for this year could be done through three channels — online through the award official website www.nigeriansportsaward.com/nominations, the manual entries (hard copies) nomination forms available at all sports federation secretariats across the country and via social media platforms (Twitter and Facebook) using each category hashtag.

“To nominate your Footballer of the Year (Women), all you need to do is type #NSA2019 (Space) #FOTYW (Space) name of nominee (Space) @ngrsportsaward and tweet. Hashtags to be used include Basketball Player of the Year – #BPTY, Coach of the Year – #COTY, Discovery of the Year– #DOTY, Footballer of the Year (Women) – #FOYW, amongst others,” he explained.

Idowu called on members of the public to avail themselves of the opportunity to celebrate their favourite sports personalities by nominating them in their respective categories.

The award’s executive director, who commended the existing sponsors and partners like Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting company, Sifax Group, Mastersports International, SuperSports and LASAA, among others, also called on more corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the annual award.

The Nigerian Sports Award is dedicated to recognising the achievements of the country’s past and present sports men and women that have excelled in the sporting world.

It honours leadership, vision, innovation and outstanding accomplishments, providing opportunity for the sports stars to be celebrated on national and global platforms, according to the organisers.