Public voting has officially opened for the Sporting Equals Awards 2026, as a diverse shortlist of athletes, coaches and community leaders prepare to compete for top honours in one of UK sport’s most inclusive celebrations.
Now in its ninth year, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations making a tangible impact across sport, from grassroots participation to elite performance, while championing greater diversity and representation.
Run by Sporting Equals, the awards recognise those helping to reshape the sporting landscape, with voting open until 26 March at 23:59.
This year’s shortlist spans nine publicly voted categories, reflecting the breadth of talent and influence across the UK sporting system.
Among the honours up for grabs are Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, alongside recognition for emerging talent through the Young Sportsperson of the Year award. Community impact is also firmly in focus, with categories including Community Sports Project of the Year and The FA Community Champion.
Coaching and development are equally represented, with awards such as England Athletics Coach of the Year and the LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award highlighting the vital role played behind the scenes.
Two additional honours, the Peloton Gamechanger Award and the Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award, will be decided independently.
Unlike many sporting accolades, the final decision rests in the hands of the public, giving fans, communities and supporters a direct role in determining who takes home the trophies.
Organisers say the vote is a crucial part of recognising those whose work often goes unseen but has a lasting impact on participation, opportunity and inclusion in sport.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 18 April 2026, bringing together athletes, governing bodies and community leaders for a night celebrating achievement across the sector.
While performance remains a key factor, the awards go beyond results on the pitch, track or court.
They highlight the stories behind the success, individuals breaking barriers, inspiring participation and opening doors for the next generation.
Nik Trivedi said the awards are ultimately about people and their impact.
“These awards celebrate passion, resilience and the difference people make every day,” he said. “Our finalists show what is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are created.”
Olympic diver Kyle Kothari echoed that sentiment, urging the public to get involved.
“The Sporting Equals Awards recognise those making a real difference, not just through performance, but through dedication and community impact,” he said. “Your vote matters.”
At a time when conversations around diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of sport, the awards continue to play a key role in promoting race equity and representation.
From local clubs to national stages, the shortlisted nominees reflect a growing movement to ensure sport is accessible and inclusive for all communities.
As voting opens, organisers are calling on the public to support those leading that change and ensure their contributions are recognised on a national stage.
With the countdown now underway, the spotlight turns to fans and communities across the country to decide who will be crowned the Sporting Equals champions of 2026.
The public are invited to cast their vote via the online voting portal sportingequals.award.vote/ by 26 March at 23:59.
Full Shortlist — Sporting Equals Awards 2026
Sportsman of the Year
- Amo Singh
- Maro Itoje
- Leon Greenwood
Sportswoman of the Year
- Ashleigh Nelson
- Aya Hijazi
- Sadia Kabeya
Young Sports Person of the Year
- Rohan Handa
- Jeremy Monga
- Eva Okaro
England Athletics Coach of the Year
- Krumesh Patel
- Chris Powell
- Renée Hector
The FA Community Champion of the Year
- Khadija Patel (Krimmz Girls Youth Club)
- Salma Bi
- Anwar Ali
Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
- Krimmz Sports For All Project
- BADU – Empowering Black Women Through Tri Programme
- Tigers Engage: Inner City Sports for Diverse Communities in Westminster
Swim England Aquatics Champion
- Making Waves
- LDN Swim
- BADU Community CIC
LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award
- Carolle Forde Garcia
- Rushan Tonge-Bobia
- Khadija Patel
Mind Wellbeing Award
- Soul Trail Wellbeing CIC
- Bollyfit Active CIC
- Sporting Souls
Two additional categories remain independently judged and are not open for public voting:
- Peloton Gamechanger Award
- Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
