The Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) started as the Sportsperson of the Year Award and was organized by the Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe before being discontinued for a period of time. In 1998, the Sports and Recreation Commission resuscitated the awards as the expanded ANSA then organized to honour and reward excellence and achievement by Zimbabwean sportspersons at various levels. The Sports and Recreation Commission is the ultimate sport Authority in Zimbabwe tasked by an Act of Parliament, SRC Chapter 25:15 to honor citizens who have done the nation proud by their participation in sports. To this end the Sports and Recreation aims to:
- Promote Sporting Excellence
- Stimulate development of and through sport
- Put Zimbabwe on the world map through sport and lift human spirit through sport
In pursuing these goals, paying homage and recognition to the many sporting luminaries who represented the country, the Sports and Recreation Commission introduced the Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA). The awards represent a pinnacle of talent, commitment and competition of all people involved in sport within the country. The purpose of the Annual Sports Awards (ANSA) is to recognize celebrate and reward top sports icons in Zimbabwe. The icons would have performed exceptionally well at National, Regional, Continental and world championships. Athletes, Technical Officials, Coaches and Teams who compete at the highest level stand a better chance of winning the awards.