Sporting Equals celebrated its changemakers and award winners at this year’s event, while warning that progress on equality remains fragile.
There was celebration, recognition and a note of caution in equal measure at the 2026 Sporting Equals Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Saturday 18 April. The ceremony brought together athletes, administrators and community leaders to mark progress in race equality and inclusion across British sport, while acknowledging that many of those gains remain under pressure.
Now in its ninth year, these 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. The event attendees and organisers celebrated, reflected and renewed their commitment to ensuring sport is a space where everyone feels they belong.
At the centre of the night was rugby star Maro Itoje, named Sportsman of the Year for the second time, following a landmark year in which he became the first Black captain of the British & Irish Lions. “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to accept this award for the second time. I love Sporting Equals and everything the organisation does,” Itoje said. “Many thanks to the team at Sporting Equals and please continue all of your outstanding work to encourage equality and inclusion in sport.”
ADVANCING EQUALITY IN SPORT
A strong showing for rugby union continued with elite England rugby union player Sadia Kabeya MBE, who was awarded Sportswoman of the Year after a standout period for club and country. The evening’s most reflective moments came with the presentation of the Special Lifetime Achievement Awards to Maggie Alphonsi and Roland Butcher – two figures whose careers have helped reshape the landscape of British sport. Both were recognised for their exceptional contributions to sport and their enduring impact in advancing equality and opportunity.
“Many, many thanks to Sporting Equals and I am extremely grateful to be nominated for my Special Achievement Award,” Alphonsi said. “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.”
Butcher, the first Black man to play cricket for England, added: “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.”
Beyond individual honours, the awards highlighted the breadth of work being carried out across grassroots and community sport, with projects such as Tigers Engage and Together Tennis CIC recognised for widening access and opportunity.
REPRESENTATION AND FAIRNESS IN SPORT
Yet the tone of the evening was not without urgency. Dr Howard Haughton, Chair of Sporting Equals, emphasised the wider significance of the awards. “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.”
That message was echoed by Phil Smith, Executive Director, Partnerships at Sport England, who pointed to a more uncertain climate. “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.”
If the night ultimately belonged to its winners, it also served as a reminder of the broader task ahead. The Sporting Equals Awards continue to spotlight success, but also the ongoing effort required to ensure sport reflects the diversity of the society it represents.
SPORTING EQUALS AWARDS WINNERS 2026
The full list of Sporting Equals Awards 2026 winners by category, include:
- Peloton Gamechanger Award: Joel Fearon
- Flowhesion Young Sportsperson of the Year: Eva Okaro
- Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award: Roland Butcher
- Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award: Maggie Alphonsi
- The FA Community Champion of the Year: Salma Bi BEM
- England Athletics Coach of the Year: Krumesh Patel
- Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year: Tigers Engage
- Swim England Aquatics Champion: Badu (Empowering Black Women Through Tri Programme)
- LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award: Together Tennis CIC
- Major Pro Kabaddi League Sportsman of the Year: Maro Itoje
- The Voice Sportswoman of the Year: Sadia Kabeya
- Mind Wellbeing Award: Sporting Souls
For more information about Sporting Equals Awards 2026, click here.
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