Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE African Union Sports Council Region 5 is set to host the 8th edition of the prestigious Regional Annual Sports Awards in Luanda, Angola, tonight in what promises to be a memorable celebration of sporting excellence, regional integration and African pride.
Held annually on the last Saturday of May as part of Africa Day celebrations, the Regional Annual Sports Awards have grown into one of the continent’s premier platforms for recognising and rewarding sporting achievement across Southern Africa.
The event brings together athletes, coaches, administrators, journalists, sports confederations, and policymakers from the 10 AUSC Region 5 member countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This year’s edition, under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation!” marks yet another milestone for the awards programme, which continues to promote excellence, unity, and innovation through sport.
Preparations for the Luanda event are at an advanced stage, with Angola putting final touches to what is expected to be a world-class showcase of African sporting achievement and hospitality.
More than just a glamorous gala dinner, RASA has evolved into a holistic platform for empowerment, sustainability, and regional consciousness. As part of the programme, nominees and delegates will participate in a tree planting initiative aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and reinforcing the Region’s commitment to climate neutrality.
Through this initiative, AUSC Region 5 continues to position sport as a vehicle for driving environmental awareness and sustainable development.
In addition, the nominees forum will provide a unique learning and mentorship platform for finalists. The forum seeks to equip athletes and sports personalities with critical life skills beyond competition, including how to manage success and failure, financial discipline, mental resilience, branding, and post-career planning.
The initiative reflects the Region’s commitment to developing well-rounded sports personalities capable of thriving both during and after their sporting careers.
Twelve categories will be contested during the awards ceremony, covering a broad spectrum of sporting excellence and contribution.
Nominees for the Regional Annual Sports Awards are drawn from winners of their respective national sports awards, making the competition a gathering of the very best athletes and sports stakeholders from across the Region.
This means Zimbabwe cricket T20 skipper Sikandar Raza is among the RASA nominnes having claimed the Sportsperson of the Year gong at the Annual National Sports Awards in Harare last week.
Over the years, the RASA have become a symbol of inspiration and aspiration, motivating athletes and stakeholders to pursue excellence while strengthening regional integration through sport.
