SPORTING EQUALS, an independent body that champions race equity across sport, have announced the return and rebrand of the Sporting Equals Awards. This comes at a critical time when key sportspeople such as Vinicius Junior, Azeem Rafiq and Luther Burrell are standing against inequalities in sport.
Formerly known as the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, the Sporting Equals Awards will return for the first time since 2020 on 21st October at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Hosted by Sporting Equals since 2015, the awards exist to celebrate the achievements of race equity in sports, acknowledge the contributions made by ethnically diverse communities, and to inspire the next generation.
Award categories include the coveted Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year and 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 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, England footballer Raheem Sterling MBE, former Team GB heptathlete, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Paralympian, Kadeena Cox OBE.
It is only by working together, with partners like Sporting Equals, that we can help to 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 form part of a wider Sporting Equals strategy to support and influence the sport and physical activity sector to do more when it comes to race equality and inclusion. Sporting Equals work with Sport England and other sport system stakeholders as part of Uniting the Movement strategy which has a focus on tackling inequalities.
Arun Kang OBE, CEO of Sporting Equals said: “This year has shown more than ever the importance of these awards. In recognising and celebrating role models and projects on and off the field to ensure they receive the accolade they deserve, and we are delighted to be back stronger than ever with seventh edition of The Sporting Equals Awards.”
As a charity, Sporting Equals is committed to making all sport and physical activity accessible, diverse, and fair, so all communities can benefit from participation. They collaborate with National Governing Bodies, brands and local communities by providing them with solutions and services to deliver equity, whilst also campaigning for change.
Maro Itoje, England rugby player and 2018 Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year winner, said: “It is fantastic that the Sporting Equals Awards are back later this year. Celebrating great moments and shining a light on positive role models is so important when you are trying to achieve greater equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.
“This is so important in inspiring the next generation and giving hope to ethnically diverse communities that they can be engaged in sport at their chosen level be it as athletes, volunteers, officials or coaches.”
Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox OBE, added: “As a past winner, I am absolutely delighted that we see their return in October. It is a true celebration but also carries an important message of bringing communities together and championing race equality in sports. It is important we continue to make a stand and drive change for greater inclusion in sports at all levels, Sporting Equals are leading the way with that, and this is a chance to celebrate their work.”
Ama Agbeze, MBE, former England netballer and Sportswoman of the Year winner, said: “The Sporting Equals Awards are an important way to celebrate the contributions and achievements of ethnically diverse people in netball. They give us an opportunity to celebrate role models at every level of the game, including our international athletes, our officials and volunteers and show that netball is for everyone.”
This is so important in inspiring the next generation and giving hope to ethnically diverse communities that they can be engaged in sport at their chosen level be it as athletes, volunteers, officials or coaches
Maro Itoje, England rugby player and 2018 Sporting Equals Sportsman of the Year winner
Viveen Taylor, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport, Sport England, concluded: “Sport England is determined to tackle the inequalities and under-representation of culturally diverse communities in all areas of sport and physical activity.
“By shining a spotlight on the sporting excellence and talent that exists within culturally diverse communities, these awards are an important part of achieving our ambition. It is only by working together, with partners like Sporting Equals, that we can help to change attitudes and increase participation in sport and physical activity for all.
“Sporting Equals Awards are leading the way in helping to create a sporting system that’s truly inclusive and that properly reflects our society.”
For more information about the Sporting Equals Awards, including how to nominate please visit: www.sportingequalsawards.org.uk
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