Sporting Equals Awards 2026 nominations open

The Sporting Equals Awards return for their ninth edition on Saturday 18 April 2026, celebrating outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion across the sporting landscape. From grassroots participation to elite performance and leadership, the awards spotlight individuals and organisations driving positive change.

For the second year running, Swim England is proud to sponsor the Aquatics Champion Award, which recognises organisations or community groups that have helped more people from ethnically diverse communities to participate in aquatic sports.

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.

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.”

Helen Marney, Swim England Director of Community Participation and Health, said “We are delighted to sponsor the Swim England Aquatics Champion Award at the Sporting Equals Awards 2026.”

Swimming and aquatic sports have the power to transform lives, and everyone should have the chance to experience that, no matter their background.”

This award honours those who break down barriers and create opportunities, and we stand alongside them in building a sport that truly reflects the diversity of our communities.”

The Sporting Equals Awards will bring together athletes, community changemakers, system partners, governing bodies and trailblazers from across the UK for an evening of celebration, connection and inspiration.

Other public nominated awards include 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, The FA Community Champion of the Year and Young Sports Person of the Year.

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.

Nominations close on 12 February 2026, 23:59pm.