Sporting Equals Awards 2026

Sporting Equals brought together some of the most influential voices in sport for an unforgettable evening at its flagship Sporting Equals Awards ceremony, held on Saturday 18 April 2026 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

ACR had the pleasure of attending the awards for the 4th year.

Now in its ninth year, the awards unite leaders, community organisations, and partners from across the sporting landscape to honour those driving real and lasting progress in race equality and inclusion. It was a night marked by celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to ensuring sport is a space where everyone feels they belong.

Among the evening’s most prestigious honours were the Special Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to Maggie Alphonsi and Roland Butcher. Both were recognised for their exceptional contributions to sport and their enduring impact in advancing equality and opportunity.

A standout moment of the evening saw Captain British and Irish Lions Maro Itoje  named Sportsman of the Year for the second time. This accolade follows a historic milestone in his career, becoming the first Black player to captain the British & Irish Lions, a moment of immense significance for the sport and beyond.

It was also a landmark night for Rugby Union, with Sadia Kabeya being awarded Sportswoman of the Year, recognising her outstanding performances and continued contribution to the game.

The awards highlighted the breadth of talent and leadership across the sector, celebrating not only elite sporting success but also the vital work being undertaken at grassroots and community levels to break down barriers and create opportunities.

Mato Itoje, the England and British Lions Captain commenting on his award said,  

“I’m deeply honoured and humbled to accept this award for the second time and I love  Sporting Equals and everything the organisation does. Many thanks to the team at Sporting Equals and please continue all of your outstanding work to encourage equality and inclusion in sport”

Maggie Alphonsi, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s rugby said,

“Many, many thanks to Sporting Equals and I am extremely grateful to be nominated for my Special Achievement Award. I’m very familiar with the outstanding work that Sporting Equals do across sport and it’s especially meaningful to follow in the footsteps of one of my sporting heroes Denise Lewis. I would also like to acknowledge the trailblazers who went before me in the world of women’s rugby who have enabled my journey to be possible” 

Roland Butcher, the first black man to play cricket for England said,

I’m delighted and truly honoured to be nominated for a Special Lifetime Achievement Award and alongside Maggie Alphonsi.It’s also great to be joining Linford Christie, Denise Lewis, Sol Campbell and Jason Robinson, such a prestigious group who have received this special award.”

Sporting Equals Chair, Dr Howard Haughton said,

“We are proud to celebrate those achieving excellence while actively shaping a more inclusive future, not just for sport, but for society as a whole. These awards recognise individuals and organisations who are not only succeeding at the highest level, but who are also challenging systemic barriers, opening doors, and ensuring that progress in sport reflects the diversity, talent, and potential of our wider communities

Phil Smith, Executive Director, Partnerships at Sport England said,

“These awards feel especially meaningful right now. Across England, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are under pressure. Progress that once felt secure is being questioned, resources are tighter, and in too many places the importance of representation and fairness is being misunderstood or challenged.  That makes the work we’re celebrating this evening not just important – but essential.”

Full List of Award Winners

1. Peloton Gamechanger Award – Joel Fearon

2. Flowhesion Young Sportsperson of the Year – Eva Okaro

3. Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award – Roland Butcher

4. Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award-  Maggie Alphonsi MBE

5. The FA Community Champion of the Year- Salma Bi BEM

6. England Athletics Coach of the Year – Krumesh Patel

7. Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year – Tigers Engage

8. Swim England Aquatics Champion – Badu (Empowering Black Women Through Tri Programme)

9. LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award – Together Tennis CIC

10. Major Pro Kabaddi League Sportsman of the Year – Maro Itoje

11. The Voice Sportswoman of the Year – Sadia Kabeya MBE

12. Mind Wellbeing Award – Sporting Souls

    
    

About Sporting Equals

 Sporting Equals is the UK’s leading charity promoting race equality in sport and physical activity. The organisation works with partners across the sector to influence policy, build capacity, and create more inclusive environments.

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.

For further information visit www.sportingequals.org.uk/