Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah was on Saturday voted the "SWAG Onetouch Sports Personality of 2006" at the Sports Writers Association of Ghana's 32nd awards night. Appiah, credited with an immense contribution to the success of the senior national team in all competitions, including the team’s maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup in Germany and the African Cup of Nations in Egypt pipped his deputy, John Mensah and long jumper Ignatius Gaisah for the topmost award. The Turkey-based player was however not present at the ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the State House. His mum, Comfort Afua Mortey, received the coveted prize on his behalf. The yearly event seeks to honour outstanding sportsmen and women. The presence of most of the award winners including Black Stars defender John Mensah , who flew down from Rennes, France made the ceremony a befitting one for the nation's Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary and was beamed live by Accra-based Metropolitan Television (Metro TV). In his opening remarks, Mr Ackah Anthony, President of the Association urged Government to build more stadia and other sports infrastructure to put the nation in a better position to host major international events in the immediate future. Mr Anthony also commended Patrons of the Association for their support towards the growth of the association especially their financial assistance, which he said had made the sports inky-fraternity very strong and firm in their activities. He also commended the major sponsors, Onetouch and others for the support at making the event a success. Professor Dominic Fobih, Minister of Education, Science and Sports who chaired the function on behalf of President John Agyekum Kufuor, said government has made provision for the construction of multi-complex sports halls across the country. In all 25 awards were presented to various sports personalities. In the Footballer of the Year category, John Mensah pipped Black Stars team mates Appiah and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien in addition to grabbing a special Meritorious Award for his contributions to the national team. SWAG also presented a Special Award to President Kufuor for his support towards the development of sports as well as the late James Oyebola, former World Junior Heavyweight Champion, who was shot a few weeks before the awards. The award was received on his behalf by his brother Kelly Oyebola. Below is the full list of award winners: 2006 SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - Stephen Appiah MALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR - John Mensah FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR - Sheila Okine SPECIAL MERITORIOUS AWARDS -Richard Kingston, John Mensah FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Vida Anim MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Ignatius Gaisah DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR - Anita Amankwah PROMISING PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Alhaji Saanie Mohamed REFEREE OF THE YEAR - Alex Kotey PROFESSIONAL BOXER OF THE YEAR - Yakubu Amidu AMATEUR BOXER OF THE YEAR - Awusoni Yekini VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR- Iddrisu Banousin Wakiki HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MALE) - Salia Nsalbini HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR (FEMALE) - Emily Aggrey WEIGHTLIFTER OF THE YEAR - Majetie Fetrie YOUNG GOLFER OF THE YEAR -Nicolo Catto FEMALE GOLFER OF THE YEAR - Mona Captan DEDICATION AND VALOUR - Cynthia Akweley Lamptey CHAIRMAN OF THE YEAR - Cliff Aboagye SPECIAL AWARD - Ataa Lartey MALE HANDBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Peter Amegashie COACH OF THE YEAR - David Duncan TEAM OF THE YEAR - Black Stars SCRABBLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Michael Quao FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Comfort Danso Source: GNA