Sporting Equals brought together some of the most influential voices in sport for an unforgettable evening at its flagship Sporting Equals Awards ceremony, held rcently at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Now in its ninth year, the awards unite leaders, community organisations, and partners from across the sporting landscape to honour those driving real and lasting progress in race equality and inclusion. It was a night marked by celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to ensuring sport is a space where everyone feels they belong.
Among the evening’s most prestigious honours were the Special Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to Maggie Alphonsi and Roland Butcher. Both were recognised for their exceptional contributions to sport and their enduring impact in advancing equality and opportunity.
Cricket legend - Roland Butcher bagged a Lifetime Achievement award
Cricket legend - Roland Butcher bagged a Lifetime Achievement award
A standout moment of the evening saw Maro Itoje named Sportsman of the Year for the second time. This accolade follows a historic milestone in his career, becoming the first Black player to captain the British & Irish Lions, a moment of immense significance for the sport and beyond.
It was also a landmark night for Rugby Union, with Sadia Kabeya being awarded Sportswoman of the Year, recognising her outstanding performances and continued contribution to the game.
The awards highlighted the breadth of talent and leadership across the sector, celebrating not only elite sporting success but also the vital work being undertaken at grassroots and community levels to break down barriers and create opportunities.
Mato Itoje, the England and British Lions Captain commenting on his award said, “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to accept this award for the second time and 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”
Maggie Alphonsi, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s rugby said “Many, many thanks to Sporting Equals and I am extremely grateful to be nominated for my Special Achievement Award. I’m very familiar with the outstanding work that Sporting Equals do across sport and 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”
Roland Butcher, the first black man to play cricket for England said, “I’m delighted and truly honoured to be nominated for a Special Lifetime Achievement Award. 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.”
Sporting Equals Chair, Dr Howard Haughton said, “We are proud to celebrate those achieving excellence while actively shaping a more inclusive future, not just for sport, but for society as a whole. These awards recognise individuals and organisations who are not only succeeding at the highest level, but who are also challenging systemic barriers, opening doors, and ensuring that progress in sport reflects the diversity, talent, and potential of our wider communities
Phil Smith, Executive Director, Partnerships at Sport England said, “These awards feel especially meaningful right now. 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.”
Acting CEO of Sporting Equals, Nik Trivedi said, “This was more than a celebration, it was a recognition of those who have led from the front, often in the face of adversity. Sporting trailblazers such as Roland Butcher and Maggie Alphonsi have opened doors for others and continue to inspire the next generation to step forward with confidence, ambition, and belief.”
Full List of Award 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