This year’s awards celebrate excellence, inspire change and drive race equity across sport
Sporting Equals is proud to open public voting for the Sporting Equals Awards 2026, marking the ninth edition of this flagship celebration of the achievements and contributions of ethnically diverse people and communities in sport and physical activity. Closing on 26th March at 23:59, the public is urged to cast their votes today.
The Sporting Equals Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of ethnically diverse communities, individuals and organisations who are transforming sport at every level, from grassroots participation to elite performance and leadership. This year’s shortlist showcases the role models and changemakers whose work is inspiring greater diversity, inclusion and race equity across the sporting system.
Voting closes on 26th March at 23:59, and Sporting Equals is calling on the public to champion shortlisted entrants, help shine a national spotlight on the individuals and communities driving real change in sport and to determine the winners across the nine categories. To vote, please visit the online voting portal.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 18 April 2026, bringing together athletes, community changemakers, system partners and governing bodies and trailblazers for an evening of celebration and connection.
The categories, within which there are three shortlists, open for public voting are:
- England Athletics Coach of the Year
- LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award
- mind Wellbeing Award
- Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
- Sportsman of the Year
- Sportswoman of the Year
- Swim England Aquatics Champion
- The FA Community Champion of the Year
- Young Sports Person of the Year
Two additional categories remain independently judged and are not open for public voting:
- Peloton Gamechanger Award
- Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
As the Awards enter their ninth year, Sporting Equals continues its mission to accelerate race equity, representation and meaningful inclusion throughout the sporting system. These Awards remain a central pillar of that mission, celebrating the role models, leaders and community champions who are paving the way for a more equitable future in sport.
Nik Trivedi, Acting CEO of Sporting Equals, said:
“The Sporting Equals Awards are, at their heart, a celebration of people — their passion, their resilience and the impact they make every single day. Our shortlists have all shown what is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are created for everyone.
By casting a vote, the public plays a vital role in amplifying their achievements and championing the values of equity and representation we want to see across the sports sector. As we move towards the winners ceremony in April, our awards remind us of the powerful change that happens when diverse voices are recognised, supported and elevated.”
Kyle Kothari, Sporting Equals Ambassador and Olympic Diver said:
“The Sporting Equals Awards give us the chance to recognise the people making a real difference in sport — not just through performance, but through heart, dedication and community impact. Your vote matters, so make sure you vote and show your support.”
Members of the public are invited to cast their vote via the online voting portal by 26th March at 23:59.
Together, the Sporting Equals Awards continue to celebrate progress, champion excellence and help shape a sporting sector where every community is represented, respected and empowered.
Notes to Editors
About Sporting Equals
Sporting Equals is a leading organisation working to promote race equity, diversity and inclusion across sport and physical activity in the UK. Through research, advocacy, leadership development and sector partnerships, Sporting Equals supports organisations to create inclusive, anti-racist environments where everyone can thrive.
About the Sporting Equals Awards
Now in their ninth edition, the Sporting Equals Awards recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives that are driving meaningful change and increasing opportunities for ethnically diverse communities across sport and physical activity.
Members of the public are invited to cast their vote via the online voting portal – sportingequals.award.vote/ by 26th March at 23:59.
Awards Ceremony Event Details
- Event: Sporting Equals Awards 2026
- Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
- Location: Royal Lancaster Hotel, London
Interview Requests
For interview requests with our Acting CEO Nik Trivedi, shortlisted entrants and ambassadors please contact : ashnoor@mmc-uk.co.uk
Full Shortlist — Sporting Equals Awards 2026
Sportsman of the Year
- Amo Singh
- Maro Itoje
- Leon Greenwood
Sportswoman of the Year
- Ashleigh Nelson
- Aya Hijazi
- Sadia Kabeya
Young Sports Person of the Year
- Rohan Handa
- Jeremy Monga
- Eva Okaro
England Athletics Coach of the Year
- Krumesh Patel
- Chris Powell
- Renée Hector
The FA Community Champion of the Year
- Khadija Patel (Krimmz Girls Youth Club)
- Salma Bi
- Anwar Ali
Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
- Krimmz Sports For All Project
- BADU – Empowering Black Women Through Tri Programme
- Tigers Engage: Inner City Sports for Diverse Communities in Westminster
Swim England Aquatics Champion
- Making Waves
- LDN Swim
- BADU Community CIC
LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award
- Carolle Forde Garcia
- Rushan Tonge-Bobia
- Khadija Patel
Mind Wellbeing Award
- Soul Trail Wellbeing CIC
- Bollyfit Active CIC
- Sporting Souls
Two additional categories remain independently judged and are not open for public voting:
- Peloton Gamechanger Award
- Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
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