THE National Sports Commission (NSC) will tonight host its first-ever black-tie edition of the National Sports Awards, a landmark event that promises to elevate the prestige and presentation of Guyana’s top sporting honour.

The gala takes place from 7:00 pm at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, celebrating athletes, coaches, officials, and associations for their outstanding achievements throughout 2024.

According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the event signals a new era for the National Sports Awards, which date back to 1970.

Ninvalle described this year’s ceremony as a reflection of the government’s growing investment and appreciation for local sportsmen and women.

“This new approach adds to the many changes introduced under the leadership of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and demonstrates our commitment to raising the standards of sport in every possible way,” Ninvalle said.

The NSC’s selection committee recently completed its deliberations following a detailed review of submissions from national federations.

Ninvalle commended the panel for what he called a “transparent and merit-based selection process”, ensuring that the most deserving individuals and organisations receive recognition.

“The committee has done an exceptional job in ensuring fairness and transparency. Their work guarantees that tonight’s winners truly represent the best of Guyana’s sporting talent,” Ninvalle added.

Leading this year’s lineup of honourees is national footballer Omari Glasgow, Guyana’s all-time leading goal scorer and a strong contender for Sportsman of the Year.

Glasgow’s stellar run in the CONCACAF Nations League earned him both the Best Young Player Award and Top Scorer Award, as he propelled the Golden Jaguars to a historic promotion to League A.

The 21-year-old striker, who has notched 21 goals in 33 international appearances, is joined on the shortlist by bodybuilder Nicholas Albert, who earned his IFBB Pro Card in 2024, Olympian Emanuel Archibald, and national cricketer Ashmead Nedd.

The Junior Sportsman of the Year category features four rising stars — track athletes Kaidon Persaud and Malachi Austin, swimmer Raekwon Noel, and chess prodigy Sachin Pitamber — each having achieved remarkable feats on both regional and international stages.

Among the women, the Sportswoman of the Year award will see a strong contest between squash stars Nicholette Fernandes and Ashley Khalil, Taekwondo standout Ceili Peterson, and bodybuilding sensation Rosanna Fung, whose performances continue to elevate Guyana’s reputation on the world fitness stage.

For the Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Athaleyah Hinckson is among the favourites after making history by winning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the CARIFTA Games U17 women’s 100m, then following up with gold at the South American U20 Championships.

She will face tough competition from Tianna Springer, the CARIFTA 400m champion, and other young talents.

The Coach of the Year field includes Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Track Club, who guided both Austin and Hinckson to success, alongside Ryan Hercules (cricket) and Joseph “Bill” Wilson (GDF Football Club), whose leadership shaped their teams’ winning performances.

Meanwhile, four associations — the Guyana Basketball Federation, Guyana Chess Association, Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, and Guyana Golf Association — are vying for the Association of the Year title, recognising excellence in administration and development.

In the Sports Official of the Year category, GBF President Michael Singh, FIFA referee Shavin Greene, Vidish Sookram (bodybuilding), and Kerwyn Johnson headline the male nominees, while Natasha George, Denisha Isaacs, and Aileen Bowman-Joseph lead the female shortlist.

The Media Awards will see a tussle between top sports journalists Rawle Toney (Kaieteur News), Michaelangelo Jacobis (Stabroek News), Jemima Holmes (Guyana Times), Akeem Greene (Newsroom), and Eric Collymore (NCN).

Additionally, NAMILCO, Ansa McAl, Enet, Bluewater Shipping, MVP Sports, ExxonMobil, Trophy Stall, and Sublime Security have been shortlisted for Corporate Sponsor of the Year, acknowledging their consistent support and investment in local sport.