K4.5m up for grabs in sports reporters awards

The Sports Writers Association of Malawi (Swam) has announced the introduction of Sport Media Pearl Awards by its world mother body, the International Sports Press Association (Aips).

At stake in each of eight categories is $10 000 (K4.5 million) prize.
Aips announced the awards at the 78th congress which Swam vice-president Leonard Sharra attended from March 2 to 4 2015 in Paris, France courtesy of Standard Bank of Malawi air ticket sponsorship.
Only Swam recognised members will be eligible for the awards which Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) will host and are open to print and web journalists, radio and television reporters, photographers and videographers, including freelancers.
Only entries published between September 1 2014 and August 31 2015 will be considered for the awards to recognise quality, innovation and originality in sport storytelling.
The annual awards event will be held this December in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. Winners in eight specified categories will receive a special trophy and a cash prize of $10 000 (K4.5 million).
The runners-up and third-placed in each category will also be invited to attend the awards ceremony in December and will receive $1 500 (K675 000).
Award categories are for best photography, sports writing (column), best colour piece- writing, audio-radio/digital broadcast, video, documentary, journalistic blog, sport for a better world.
There is also a special category not open for entries for a life in sport, investigative reporting and best app. Mohammed Ebraheem Al Mahmood, chairperson and managing director of Abu Dhabi Media said the partnership with Aips comes in recognition for the important role sport journalism plays across the globe.
Aips president Gianni Merlo said: “These awards are very important because in a difficult moment for our profession, it is necessary to return the spotlight onto the value of our work. Sport means culture and these awards will help the public recognise the social value of sport journalism.”