Rugby legends Maggie Alphonsi MBE, Sadia Kabeya MBE and BADU Community CIC were among the big winners at this year’s Sporting Equals Awards.
These sporting sheroes joined host, Colin Jackson MBE, and some of the most influential voices in sport for an unforgettable evening at its flagship Sporting Equals Awards ceremony, held on Saturday 18 April 2026 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Sporting Equals is a leading charity promoting race equality and equity in sport and physical activity. The organisation works with partners across the sector to influence policy, build capacity, and create more inclusive environments. 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.
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This year’s event was once again a celebration of sporting and Black excellence. Maggie Alphonsi, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s rugby and Roland Butcher, the first Black cricketer to represent England both won Special Lifetime Achievement Awards.
On winning the award, Maggie said: “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.”
In a message on her Instagram page, she said: “I feel incredibly proud to have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sporting Equals Awards…[ ] Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would receive a lifetime achievement award in my career. What makes this award so special though is I got to share it with Roland Butcher. A true legend who was a trailblazer in cricket.”
Commenting ahead of the awards, Roland Butcher, the first Black man to play cricket for England, spoke about how proud he is to be joining the celebrated list of sporting Black excellence. He 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.”
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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.
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Another highlight was Badu Community CIC being made the Sport England Aquatics Champion for their Black Women Through Triathlon programme. Through the programme, BADU has transformed access to swimming by creating culturally safe, supportive spaces where Black women build confidence, develop skills, and nurture long-term wellbeing in and beyond the water.
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It was a night marked by celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to ensuring sport is a space where everyone feels they belong.
Read on for a full list of 2026 Sporting Equals 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
