British sport’s most powerful voices gathered in London for an awards ceremony that did far more than hand out trophies.
Held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, the 2026 Sporting Equals Awards brought together athletes, community leaders and sporting organisations for a night that celebrated excellence – but also delivered a timely reminder that diversity, equity and inclusion remain under pressure across the sector.
Among the headline winners were England and British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje, who was named Sportsman of the Year, and England rugby star Sadia Kabeya, who picked up Sportswoman of the Year.
For Itoje, it marked another landmark moment in a career already making history.
The Saracens and England lock has become the first Black player to captain the British & Irish Lions – a breakthrough with huge significance in one of the UK’s most tradition-bound sports. His Sporting Equals award recognised not just his performances on the pitch, but the wider impact of what that leadership represents.
“I’m deeply honoured and humbled to accept this award for the second time,” Itoje said.
“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.”
It was also a major night for women’s rugby.
Kabeya, one of the brightest and most formidable talents in the game, was honoured for her performances and growing influence in the sport. Her win underlined rugby union’s strong presence on the night – and the continued rise of a player increasingly seen as one of England’s standout figures.
Lifetime honours for trailblazers
Two of the evening’s most emotional moments came with the Special Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to Maggie Alphonsi MBE and Roland Butcher – two names whose impact on British sport stretches far beyond medals, caps or appearances.
Alphonsi, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in women’s rugby history, used her moment to recognise those who paved the way before her.
“Many, many thanks to Sporting Equals and I am extremely grateful to be nominated for my Special Achievement Award,” she said.
“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, was also honoured for a legacy that remains hugely significant in English sport.
“I’m delighted and truly honoured to be nominated for a Special Lifetime Achievement Award and alongside Maggie Alphonsi,” he said.
“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.”
A bigger message for British sport
Now in its ninth year, the awards recognise individuals, organisations and grassroots initiatives working to increase opportunities for ethnically diverse communities in sport and physical activity.
While the big names grabbed the spotlight, the night’s strongest message came from the people speaking about the current climate in sport.
Sporting Equals chair Dr Howard Haughton said the awards celebrate those “actively shaping a more inclusive future, not just for sport, but for society as a whole”.
And Phil Smith, executive director of partnerships at Sport England, issued a stark warning.
“These awards feel especially meaningful right now,” he said.
“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.”
Sporting Equals Awards 2026 Winners
- 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 MBE
- 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 MBE
- Mind Wellbeing Award – Sporting Souls
