Lewis Hamilton accepts Sportsman of the Year accolade

Three time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, scooped up the Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year award at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSA).

The BEDSAs were established by Sporting Equals in 2015, to celebrate sporting excellence within Black, minority and ethnic communities and help to inspire the next generation.

The star studded awards event were held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, and were attended by sports personalities from across the country including IBF Super middleweight boxing champion James DeGale, former England Football International Sol Campbell and England Women's Football International Eni Aluko.

Hamilton was selected by a panel of expert judges including Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi MBE, former West Bromwich Albion favourite Brendon Batson OBE and fomer  international athletes Derek Redmond and Jason Gardener MBE.

Subaskaran Allirajah, Group Chairman LycaMobile commenting on Lewis's nomination said: “The British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards rightly celebrate the huge sporting achievements of black and ethnic minority communities across the UK, as well as helping to inspire the next generation. It's a great celebration that we're proud to be a part of for a second year”.

In 2015, Hamilton followed in the footsteps of Sir Jackie Stewart by becoming the second British driver to win three word titles. In doing so he surpassed his childhood hero Ayrton Senna's mark of 41 career race wins.

Lewis Hamilton commented: "I am proud to have won this award alongside a great group of athletes and I am also very thankful to Sporting Equals for all the work they are doing to recognise and reward sporting excellence within disadvantaged communities."

Arun Kang, Chief Executive Officer of Sporting Equals who founded the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards said: “It is an honour for Sporting Equals and the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards shortlisting panel to announce Lewis Hamilton as winner of the Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year Award. He is a true role model for others to aspire to and highlights the attributes an individual needs to succeed in any career path; determination, passion and commitment.”