The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has extended its contract with LG Electronics East Africa for the prestigious Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) Award.

This renewable agreement, valued at Kshs 3,391,740 ($25,124) million, will be in effect from January to December 2023. The primary objective is to honor exceptional Kenyan sportsmen and women from various disciplines for their remarkable achievements.

During the contract signing ceremony in Nairobi, LG Managing Director Dong Won Lee expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership. He emphasized the significance of this collaboration in promoting the growth of sports in Kenya by recognizing and supporting local talent.

“Kenyan athletes have consistently performed exceptionally well on the global and continental stage. Recognizing their accomplishments is a crucial step in identifying and nurturing indigenous sporting talent. This extends to our renowned long- and middle-distance runners, as well as other personalities representing diverse sporting disciplines,” stated Lee.

The winners of the SPOM Award will be selected by a panel of seven judges appointed by SJAK and will receive a range of LG products as their prizes.

This year’s award package includes the LG NanoCell TV, which boasts built-in AI technology for an immersive viewing experience with high-quality visuals and audio. Additionally, winners will receive the LG AI DD washing machine, equipped with cutting-edge steam technology and advanced features. The outstanding sportsmen and women from January to April will be honored before the end of May.

SJAK Chairman James Waindi expressed his belief that the award will serve as a significant motivation for Kenyan athletes who have faced numerous challenges in the past year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With our longstanding partnership with LG, spanning over 8 years, we continue to create a conducive environment for our grassroots athletes to thrive globally. This time, we are expanding the scope to encompass a broader range of disciplines, thus providing visibility to a wider pool of talent within the sports community,” Waindi remarked.

Furthermore, he underscored the crucial role of sports in the socioeconomic and cultural development of the country.

“Investing in sports has numerous benefits for the younger generation, including livelihood opportunities and business prospects,” added Waindi.

This partnership comes at a time when the sporting fraternity is celebrating notable achievements on the global stage, such as triumphs in the marathon majors and other high-profile events.