Gianno Merlo, President of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), arrived in Accra on Friday morning for the 37th MTN–SWAG Awards Night.

The Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, June 9 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Accra.

Merlo is the Guest of Honour for the ceremony that will see distinguished sports personalities being rewarded for their efforts in the year 2011.

Also in town for the event are Mitchell Obi (Nigeria) and Evelyn Watta (Kenya), both members of the Executive Committee of AIPS.

This is the first time a high-powered delegation from AIPS will be gracing the annual event in its 37-year history.

Over 25 sports men and women drawn from several sporting disciplines would on the Night receive trophies, medals and certificates among others for their efforts in the year 2011.

The topmost award, the 'Sports Personality of the Year Award' has Andre Dede Ayew, Ajara Mohammed and Harrison Afful as the competitors, with Andre Ayew, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu and Harrison Afful also vying for the 'Footballer of the Year Award'.**