Sporting Equals to shine a light on excellence
SPORTING EQUALS, an independent organization campaigning for racial justice across sport, has announced the return and renaming of the Sporting Equals Awards. This comes at a critical time when elite athletes like Vinicius Junior, Azeem Rafiq and Luther Burrell are speaking out against inequality in sport.
The Sporting Equals Awards, formerly known as the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, will be presented again on the 21st for the first time since 2020St October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The awards have been hosted by Sporting Equals since 2015 to recognize achievements in racial justice in sport, recognize the contributions of ethnically diverse communities and inspire the next generation.
Award categories include Coveted Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, as well as community awards such as Community Champion of the Year and Community Sports Project of the Year. Nominations are now open at www.sportingequalsawards.org.uk
Previous winners of the awards include seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, English footballer Raheem Sterling MBE, former Team GB heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Paralympic athlete Kadeena Cox OBE.
Only by working with partners like Sporting Equals can we help change attitudes and increase participation in sport and physical activity for all
Viveen Taylor, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport, Sport England
The awards are part of a broader strategy by Sporting Equals to support and influence the sport and exercise sector to do more for racial equality and inclusion. Sporting Equals works with Sport England and other stakeholders in the sport system as part of the Uniting the Movement strategy, which focuses on tackling inequalities.
Arun Kang OBE, CEO of Sporting Equals, said: “This year has shown more than ever how important these awards are. We recognize and celebrate role models and projects on and off the field to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve and we are delighted to be back stronger than ever with the seventh edition of the Sporting Equals Awards.”
As a charity, Sporting Equals is committed to making all sports and physical activities accessible, diverse and fair so that all communities can benefit from participation. They partner with national governing bodies, brands and local communities by providing them with solutions and services to create justice while advocating for change.
Maro Itoje, English rugby player and Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year 2018 winner, said: “It’s fantastic that the Sporting Equals Awards are back later this year. Celebrating big moments and putting the spotlight on positive role models is so important when trying to achieve more equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.
“This is so important to inspire the next generation and give hope to ethnically diverse communities to get involved in sport at the level they choose, whether that be as athletes, volunteers, officials or coaches.”
Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox OBE added: “As a previous champion, I am delighted to see her return in October. It’s a true celebration, but it also conveys an important message, which is to bring communities together and advocate for racial equality in sport. It is important that we continue to advocate for more inclusion in sport at all levels and to drive change. Sporting Equals is leading the way and this is an opportunity to recognize their work.”
Ama Agbeze, MBE, former England netball player and Sportswoman of the Year winner, said: “The Sporting Equals Awards are an important way to recognize the contributions and achievements of ethnically diverse people in netball.” They give us the opportunity to be role models at all Recognizing levels of the game, including our international athletes, our officials and volunteers, and showing that netball is for everyone.”
This is so important to inspire the next generation and give hope to ethnically diverse communities to get involved in sport at the level they choose, whether that be as athletes, volunteers, officials or coaches
Maro Itoje, English rugby player and winner of the 2018 Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year award.
Viveen Taylor, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport at Sport England concluded: “Sport England is committed to tackling the inequalities and under-representation of culturally diverse communities across all aspects of sport and physical activity.”
“As these awards shine a spotlight on sporting excellence and talent in culturally diverse communities, they are an important part of achieving our goal. Only by working with partners like Sporting Equals can we help change attitudes and increase participation in sport and physical activity for all.
“The Sporting Equals Awards are pioneering in creating a sports system that is truly inclusive and appropriately reflects our society.”
For more information on the Sporting Equals Awards, including how to nominate, go to: www.sportingequalsawards.org.uk