Celebrating Excellence, A Journey through the History, Categories, and Criteria of the Soya Awards

The Soya Awards, short for the Sports Personality of the Year Awards, stand as a beacon in recognizing and honoring outstanding achievements in Kenyan sports.

Established in 2004, these awards have evolved into a prestigious annual event that not only applauds individual accomplishments but also acknowledges the collective dedication and spirit of the Kenyan sporting community.

History

The inception of the Soya Awards was driven by a desire to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Kenyan sports personalities who had excelled on both national and international stages.

The brainchild of Paul Tergat, a legendary long-distance runner and former world marathon record holder, the awards were introduced to fill a void in recognizing and appreciating the hard work and accomplishments of Kenyan athletes.

Over the years, the Soya Awards have grown in stature, becoming a significant event on the Kenyan sports calendar. The awards ceremony, held annually, attracts athletes, coaches, administrators, and sports enthusiasts from various disciplines, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the sporting community.

Categories

The Soya Awards encompass a wide array of categories, ensuring that achievements in various sports disciplines are acknowledged and celebrated. Some of the prominent categories include:

1. Sports Personality of the Year (Male and Female): This category recognizes the overall outstanding athlete of the year, considering achievements, leadership qualities, and the impact of the individual on Kenyan sports.
2. Team of the Year (Men and Women): This category honors the collective effort of a sports team that has demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and success on both national and international platforms.
3. Coach of the Year: Coaches play a pivotal role in the success of athletes and teams. This category acknowledges the coach who has made a significant impact on their athletes’ performance and development.
4. Most Promising Player (Male and Female): Focused on young talents, this category identifies and celebrates emerging athletes who show great promise in their respective sports.
5. Hall of Fame: This special category recognizes retired sports personalities who have made an indelible mark on Kenyan sports and have left a lasting legacy.

Other categories include:

1. Sportswoman of the year
2. Sportsman of the year
3. Sportsman living with a disability
4. Sportswoman living with a disability
5. Community Hero/Heroine
6. Federation /Association of the year
7. Coach of the year
8. School team of the year boys
9. School team of the year girls
10. School coach of the year
11. School player of the year girl
12. School player of the year boy

Criteria for Selection

The criteria for selecting winners in each category are meticulous and thorough, ensuring that the awards truly reflect excellence in Kenyan sports. Factors taken into consideration include:

1. Performance: The primary consideration is the athlete’s or team’s performance in the given year. Achievements at both national and international levels, records broken, and medals won all contribute to the overall assessment.
2. Leadership and Sportsmanship: For individual awards, leadership qualities and sportsmanship are crucial factors. Athletes who inspire and lead by example, both on and off the field, are highly regarded.
3. Impact on the Community: The Soya Awards also consider the impact that athletes and coaches have on their communities. Involvement in community projects, mentorship, and efforts to uplift the sporting fraternity contribute positively to an individual or team’s candidacy.
4. Longevity and Consistency: Longevity and consistent excellence in performance over the years are also taken into account. This recognizes individuals or teams that have sustained a high level of achievement throughout their careers.

The Soya Awards have become a symbol of excellence and a testament to the rich sporting culture in Kenya. Through its diverse categories and stringent criteria, the awards continue to inspire athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the Kenyan sporting community. As the Soya Awards continue to evolve, they stand as a celebration of the past, present, and future of Kenyan sports.