Gebreselassie, Simbu to headline SOYA Awards April 10
Ethiopian legend Haile Gebreselassie and world champion Alphonce Simbu will headline the SOYA Awards on April 10 at Uhuru Gardens, as organizers expand the event’s reach across Africa.
SOYA founder Paul Tergat confirmed the duo as chief guests, saying their presence reflects a push to grow the awards beyond Kenya. “We want SOYA to become a true African platform that showcases the continent’s sporting strength,” Tergat said.
Gebreselassie, a two-time Olympic champion and former marathon world-record holder, joins Simbu, who won the world marathon title in Tokyo after podium finishes in Budapest and Birmingham.
“This event must represent African excellence on a global stage,” Tergat added.
The launch also introduced a SOYA Academy in partnership with Homeboyz Entertainment to develop young talent. “We are moving from awards to building systems for the future,” Tergat said.
Homeboyz CEO Mike Rabar noted: “Sport goes beyond competition; this links it with media and opportunity.”
With government backing and new funding, SOYA continues to grow as a key platform for African sport.