Celebrating Sporting Excellence within Ethnically Diverse Communities
Winners
Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
This award recognises a project/ organisation that has developed and delivered interventions in the past 12 months and has demonstrated a significant impact to increasing participation amongst ethnically diverse communities.
Our winner is:
The Flowhesion Foundation
Sport England Community Sports Project of the YearÂ
The Flowhesion Foundation - Haliwell Girls Sports Hub
The Haliwell Girls sports hub is based in the Haliwell area of Bolton. One of the most disadvantaged and deprived areas in Bolton. The sports hub gives girls aged 11-17 from South Asian, Arab and Somali backgrounds the opportunity to take part in 'barrier-prone' sports. Sports that because of cost, travel, and connections the girls would not normally have access to. The hub began in May 2024, Halliwell Girls Sports Hub currently have 58 registered girls. They co-produce and co-design '6 session blocks' of sports they wish to engage in.Â
The FA Community Champion of the Year
This award recognises outstanding contribution from an individual in grassroots sport and is looking to identify the ethnically diverse volunteer of the year.
Our winner is:
Akbar Khan
The FA Community Champion of the Year
Akbar Khan
Akbar Khan has played an incredible role in making Bradford PHAB Club what it is today. He started attending the club as a 9-year-old to support his disabled brothers after his family was referred to PHAB Club by the local special school. When his brothers both passed away at the age of 16, he decided he would continue to give back to the community and support other disabled children for the rest of his life. He is now 59 and chairman of the club, throughout the Covid-19 lockdown he supported members, and he inspires and motivates others by taking the lead in everything that PHAB delivers to its members today.Â
Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year
This award recognises significant progress and considerable achievement(s) made in the period 1 July 2023 to 8 September 2024 in their chosen sport.
Our winner is:
Kai Hockley
Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year
Kai Hockley
In 2019, Kai was the youngest competitor in the Fastnet Race at the age of 13. He has sailed over 3,000 miles offshore in RORC races and competed in the ILCA (Laser) Youth Nationals, often as the only ethnically diverse competitor in the fleet. Kai coaches the younger students and sets the example of personal standards at races and events to them. In 2023 he won the Quarter-Tonner Trophy and the B&G Young Sailor Trophy in the Round the Island Race. At Cowes Week that year, Kai helmed an Etchells and was the highest placed Under 25 helm in the entire regatta, winning the Musto Young Skipper Trophy. This year, Kai was selected by Sir Ben Ainslie to join the development programme for his British sailing teams which include the Emirates Great Britain SailGP and the INEOS Britannia Americas Cup teams.
Rowin Manjit Singh Leil II
Rowin is a full-time student currently studying Sports Science in the Midlands, he is also a fully qualified BWA Level 2 coach and a Level 3 PT.
Some of Rowin's achievements this year to name a few are as follows: -
UK Medallist, British Championship - Bronze Medallist (Entered senior male category whilst still a junior), English Championship - Gold Medallist, Dublin Championship - Gold Medallist , Midlands Championship - Gold Medallist, Scottish Championship - Gold Medallist, UK Championship - Gold Medallist, Irish Championship - Bronze Medallist (Entered senior male category whilst still a junior), European Medallist , French National Rankings Championship (France) - Gold Medallist, Sweden Championship - Silver Medallist , Tallinn Championships (Estonia) - Bronze Medallist , Helsinki Championships (Finland) - Bronze MedallistÂ
Rowin has also received a congressional award from the Lord Mayor of Leicester for his achievements. Rowin has his own Wrestling Club where he trains twice daily seven days a week whilst coaching other wrestlers too. He coaches young kids at GNG Leicester Gurdwara once a week, giving back to the community, teaching discipline & structure in life & also teaching the wrongs of knife crime, drugs & alcohol abuse from county line influences.
Sky Brown
Sky is Britain's youngest Olympic medallist. This summer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games she obtained a bronze medal with a score of 92.31 this was just one week after dislocating her shoulder.Â
LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award​
This award recognises an organisation or programme that has demonstrated excellence in bringing tennis to ethnically diverse communities in the past 12 months. The organisation must be able to demonstrate how they have achieved positive social impact and how their organisation or programme is improving lives through tennis.
Our winner is:
Black Tennis Mentors
LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis AwardÂ
Black Tennis Mentors
The creation of the Black Tennis Mentors UK CIC was prompted by the recognition of systemic barriers faced by the black tennis community in the UK. Despite the rich history and potential of black athletes in tennis, there remains a significant lack of representation within the sport. Black Tennis Mentors UK CIC is a mentorship platform dedicated to supporting the black tennis community in the UK. Their mission is to provide tailored guidance, coaching, and resources to aspiring black tennis players, coaches, volunteers, officials, student-athletes, health and fitness instructors, media and marketing managers, event managers, and others interested in the sport.
Swim England Aquatics Champion
This award recognises organisations or community groups who have helped more people from ethnically diverse communities to participate in aquatics.
Our winner is:
Swim Design Space
Swim England Aquatics Champion
Swim Design Space
Swim Design Space, a Swim England-approved swim school, in collaboration with Lives of Colour, has significantly increased participation in aquatics among ethnically diverse communities by developing and implementing inclusive, affordable, and culturally sensitive programs. Recognising the barriers that individuals from various ethnic backgrounds face, they have tailored their swimming programs to meet their specific needs. Through this partnership, they offer subsidised lessons to ensure financial accessibility and provide essential swimming equipment, such as swim caps, kickboards, and goggles, removing another potential barrier to participation. Â
England Athletics Coach of the Year
This award recognises the achievements of a coach working with elite athletes at the highest level of performance in sport.
Our winner is:
Harley Hicks
England Athletics Coach of the Year
Darren Cheesman
Darren has served as a coach for over a decade. He has worked at a community level, supporting parahockey, school and club level players. In the last six years he has moved from coaching school and British club level hockey to a more professional set up overseas. Initially taking a role at Royal Wellington Hockey Club he was a role model for many children, particularly ethnically diverse ones who have so few in hockey. He then took the role of Head Coach at Waterloo Ducks, to our knowledge the first Black man to be head coach in the Belgian topflight.Â
Harley Hicks
Coach Harley's dedication to his swimmers goes far beyond the usual responsibilities of a coach. He spends more than 20 hours per week delivering 16 hours of pool training and supervising gym sessions for national-level athletes. His commitment is particularly remarkable given that Gators Swimming Club operates without public funding, meaning he must creatively manage resources to ensure that athletes receive the best possible trainingÂ
Manisha Tailor MBE
Manisha Tailor MBE is an equality and diversity advocate, working full-time in professional football. Manisha has recently joined Tottenham Hotspur Football Club as their BSC Tottenham Women's U21 Head Coach and International Development coach (Boys and Girls). Prior to that she was Head of Coach Development (Boys Academy at QPR FC)Â
mind Wellbeing Award
This award recognises organisations and community groups purposefully using the power of physical activity to enhance mental wellbeing.
Our winner is:
BEAP Community Partnership
mind Wellbeing AwardÂ
BEAP Community Partnership
BEAPActive has implemented a range of policies designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of their participants and staff. Recognising the importance of mental health in the overall wellbeing of their community, they have established clear guidelines and procedures that align with best practices. Their Mental Health Policy is a cornerstone of their approach. This policy outlines their commitment to creating a supportive environment for all participants, with a focus on early intervention and ongoing support. It details the procedures for identifying and responding to mental health concerns, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to handle such situations with sensitivity and professionalism.Â
Soul Trail Wellbeing
Soul Trail Wellbeing offer mindful walks (hikes, 6-week nature programmes and drop ins) to help mental health through nature connection. They are connected to Bristol Green Social prescribing and receive referrals from patients who have poor mental health. The walks are therapeutic, by offering nature connection through foraging, herbal remedies, mindful activities, creative nature work, talking and group activities and learning how to use nature as a resource.Â
Unity Boxing Centre CIC
Unity Boxing Centre CIC is built on the foundations of promoting positive mental wellbeing. It’s a Muslim led gym that is based in the heart of Rotherham’s diverse communities attracting from all over the borough and wider. It runs twice weekly bespoke men's mental health sessions to give a safe space to men from the borough. This has an embedded counsellor once a week from Rotherham and Barnsley MIND. The gym has built a chill area to support the talk and train sessions and bespoke neurodivergent delivery.Â
UK Sport Rising Star of the Year Award
This award recognises those who have recently entered elite senior sports within the last year and are showing potential to progress rapidly within their chosen discipline.
Our winner is:
Funmi Oduwaiye
UK Sport Rising Star of the Year
Funmi Oduwaiye
Funmi took up para-athletics in 2022 following multiple surgeries on her legs to correct a condition commonly known as knocked knees. One of the surgeries led to a damaged artery, which resulted in paralysis of her right leg from the knee down. When she was recovering, she first came across Paralympic sport when she watched the Rising Phoenix documentary. Funmi was introduced to para-athletics by the late coach Anthony Hughes at Disability Sport Wales, who passed away after she started competing. The Welsh thrower made her international debut last year at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris where she finished sixth in the F64 Discus and fourth in the Shot Put, missing out on her first medal by just 20 centimetres.Â
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HewardMills Sportswoman of the Year
This award recognises and honours the achievements and elite performance of a female sportsperson who has excelled within their chosen sport.
Our winner is:
Cindy Ngamba
HewardMills Sportswoman of the YearÂ
Cindy Ngamba
Cindy Ngamba has made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s middleweight boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This achievement is particularly significant as Ngamba is the first refugee athlete to win a medal at the Olympic Games.Â
Sixes Social Cricket Sportsman of the Year
This award recognises and honours the achievements and elite performance of a male sportsperson who has excelled within their chosen sport.
Our winner is:
Samuel Reardon
Sportsman of the YearÂ
Samuel Reardon
Samuel was a late call up for Team GB this summer after a member of Britain’s 4x400m squad was forced to withdraw from the Games through injury, and the Team GB asked Reardon to take his place. Reardon went on to help his Team GB land bronze in both the men’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay.Â
Peloton Game Changer Award
This award recognises outstanding contribution from an individual in sport who has championed race equality and taken a continued stand against racism.
Our winner is:
Frank Bruno MBE
Game Changer
Frank Bruno MBE is highly deserving of the Sporting Equals “Game Changer” award for his outstanding contributions to promoting mental wellbeing and advocating for race equality in sport. As a former heavyweight boxing champion, Bruno has used his platform to openly share his own battles with mental health, helping to destigmatise mental illness, particularly in the world of sports. His candidness and advocacy have inspired many athletes and individuals to seek support for their mental health challenges, breaking down barriers of silence and shame. He is a huge advocate for the role that increasing physical activity levels can play in better mental and physical health.Â
His efforts have contributed to raising awareness about the need for diversity and inclusion for athletes of all backgrounds. Through his leadership, Frank Bruno has not only transformed lives but also made a lasting impact on the culture of sport, making him a true “Game Changer.”
Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement award honours someone who has made a major impact on the world of sport and society during their lifetime.
Our winner is:
Linford Christie
Game Changer
Frank Bruno MBE is highly deserving of the Sporting Equals “Game Changer” award for his outstanding contributions to promoting mental wellbeing and advocating for race equality in sport. As a former heavyweight boxing champion, Bruno has used his platform to openly share his own battles with mental health, helping to destigmatise mental illness, particularly in the world of sports. His candidness and advocacy have inspired many athletes and individuals to seek support for their mental health challenges, breaking down barriers of silence and shame. He is a huge advocate for the role that increasing physical activity levels can play in better mental and physical health.Â
His efforts have contributed to raising awareness about the need for diversity and inclusion for athletes of all backgrounds. Through his leadership, Frank Bruno has not only transformed lives but also made a lasting impact on the culture of sport, making him a true “Game Changer.”
SE LeaderBoard Sports Organisation of the Year
This award recognises an organization that has developed interventions in the past 12 months and has demonstrated a significant impact from the workforce to participation amongst ethnically diverse communities.
Our winner is:
GB Taekwondo
Sports Organisation of the Year
GB Taekwondo have consistently been in the top 5 on the Race Representation Index. Its senior coaches and talent pathway are diverse and have scored a grade A in these categories consistently, which we hope all national governing bodies of sport will one day be able to emulate. Â
To further ensure inclusion for its sport, GB Taekwondo have also been developing interventions to promote its sport and ensure ethnically diverse communities feel welcome. One example of an initiative is the Breaking Down Barriers project. With GB Taekwondo hosting an Iftar, with Paul Buxton the CEO attending and supporting. GB Taekwondo also took the opportunity to learn about the challenges Muslim athletes face whilst observing fasts and used the project to also bring people together to celebrate an important moment for fellow teammates and colleagues. Â
This was the first time an Olympic/Paralympic sport had held an event like this. Â
About The Awards
Sporting Equals held the eighth edition to their awards on 5 October 2024. The awards recognise and celebrate the contributions made by ethnically diverse people & communities to sport.
The Awards help drive change in the sport sector where more role models from more communities in more sports are a priority to increase participation.
The recognition of hard work and dedication stimulates interest and unearths talent on and off the field of play.
Stay tuned for more information about the ninth edition.
Testimonials
Sporting Equals Award 2024 Partners
Venue Location
Royal Lancaster London
London Underground:
Lancaster Gate: Lancaster Gate (Central Line) tube station is adjacent to the hotel. The line connects with Oxford Circus, Holborn (British Museum) and Liverpool Street among other iconic London locations in less than 15 minutes.
Paddington: Paddington tube and railway stations are a mere 6 minute walk from the hotel. The tube station has access to 4 different lines and the railway station connects London with Heathrow via Heathrow Express as well as with other regional and national lines going to British cities such as Bath, Oxford, Reading, Windsor or Cardiff.
London Buses:
There are many bus routes (94 and 148) passing the hotel that are connect us with some of the most remarkable London places such as Victoria, Soho, Piccadilly or Oxford Street.
There is no parking on site.
Previous Events
2023
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Awards Sponsorship
Be part of these exciting celebrations and recognise talent, excellence and achievement.
As well as the Naming rights to the award category your sponsorship includes;
- Co-presentation of your sponsored Award with a high-profile celebrity/guest
- Networking opportunities with decision-makers from the sector
- Logo visible throughout the Awards evening
- One table comprising of ten seats
- Media board branding at the Awards evening
- Full-page colour advert on Awards brochure
- Branding on marketing collateral
- Social media coverage pre/during/post Awards
To enquire about table sales please email ntrivedi@sportingequals.org.uk