The ninth edition of the awards celebrates excellence, inspires change and drives race equity across sport
Sporting Equals is delighted to announce the return of the Sporting Equals Awards for 2026, marking the ninth edition of this flagship celebration of excellence, leadership and impact across sport and physical activity.
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. The Awards shine a light on role models and best practice, inspiring greater diversity, inclusion and race equity across the sporting system.
The Sporting Equals Awards 2026 will take place on Saturday 18 April 2026, bringing together athletes, community changemakers, system partners, governing bodies and trailblazers from across the UK for an evening of celebration, connection and inspiration.
Public Nominations Now Open
Public nominations are now open across the following categories:
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
We also have two categories that are not open for public nominations including:
Peloton Gamechanger Award
Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
Sporting Equals encourages organisations, clubs and individuals to consider submitting nominations and sharing this opportunity within their networks. In 2025, nominations spanned a wide range of sports including athletics, basketball and boxing, and the 2026 Awards aim to reflect an even broader cross-section of the sporting landscape.
To nominate, please visit:
https://sportingequals.award.vote/
Nominations close on 12 February 2026, 23:59pm.
A Core Pillar of Race Equity in Sport
The Sporting Equals Awards remain a central pillar of Sporting Equals’ mission to accelerate race equity, representation and inclusion at every level of sport, from community participation to the elite pathway and the boardroom.
Viveen Taylor, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport at Sport England, said:
“Sport England is proud to support the Sporting Equals Awards 2026. These awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of inspiring individuals and organisations making a real difference in sport and physical activity.
Sport has a unique power to unite and inspire communities, bringing people together for the greater good. Challenging inequality and creating inclusive environments where everyone can succeed and feel they belong is essential to getting more people active. This commitment sits at the heart of our strategy and our partnership with Sporting Equals.”
Nik Trivedi, Acting CEO of Sporting Equals, said:
“The Sporting Equals Awards are a celebration of excellence, courage and leadership from individuals and organisations who are helping to reshape sport for the better. As we look ahead to April 2026, these Awards will shine a spotlight on what is possible when sport chooses to be inclusive and anti-racist.
They are not simply a celebration, they are a call to action for the sector to go further and faster in creating inclusive, anti-racist environments where everyone can thrive.”
Bringing the Sector Together
The 2026 Awards will once again provide a powerful platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration, helping the sector reaffirm its commitment to diversity of leadership, equity of opportunity and inclusion in practice.
Yemi Mary John, Sporting Equals Ambassador and Team GB Olympic Medalist, said:
“I am so excited for the Sporting Equals Awards, as it is an amazing evening bringing the whole community of sport together. With awards varying from grassroots and community impact to the elite level, it would be absolutely amazing to see as many ethnically diverse players, clubs and officials being nominated for this year’s awards. I can’t wait to see you all there!”
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.
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 and ambassadors including Yemi Mary John, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Luther Burell and Joel Fearon, please contact ebradwell@sportingequals.org.uk
