Sporting Equals

Our Chair Dr Howard Haughton CTP CMath FIMA, and Acting CEO, Nik Trivedi, joined Islam Channel live on air to discuss some of the key challenges facing the sport and physical activity sector. The conversation explored the ongoing inequalities experienced by ethnically diverse communities, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the need for stronger accountability and systems change across sport. It also provided an opportunity to share more about the new Sporting Equals strategy and our commitment to creating a sporting landscape in which ethnically diverse communities are not only visible, but are able to influence, belong and thrive at every level. We are grateful to Islam Channel for creating space for this important discussion and helping to amplify the need for race equity and meaningful inclusion in sport and physical activity. #SportingEquals #RaceEquity #Inclusion #Leadership #SportForChange #PhysicalActivity #SystemChange

Congratulations to Aaron Rai on a historic achievement and an inspiring moment for the next generation. His PGA Championship victory is more than a sporting achievement, a powerful moment for representation in golf. As an English golfer of Indian heritage winning on one of the sport’s biggest stages, Rai is helping to challenge long-standing perceptions of who belongs at the highest level of the game. For many South Asian communities, this moment brings visibility, pride and possibility. It reinforces that golf can be a genuine and accessible pathway. We know that representation matters because it shapes belief and belief shapes opportunity. This moment also underlines why continued efforts to widen participation remain so important. Our work alongside the Golf Foundation focused on increasing representation, removing barriers and creating more inclusive pathways across the sport. Have a read through our programme partnered up with Golf Foundation - https://lnkd.in/dttSg5Xq

Sporting Equals is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kirkwood Walker, a pioneering figure in British kickboxing and Muay Thai, and a proud son of Wolverhampton. Kirkwood was more than a champion fighter. He was part of a generation that helped establish British martial arts on the international stage at a time when opportunities, visibility and recognition for fighters from diverse communities were far more limited than they are today. Through his courage, discipline and determination, he inspired many within Wolverhampton and across the UK combat sports community. Competing against some of the world’s leading heavyweight fighters, including on the global K-1 stage, Kirkwood demonstrated excellence, resilience and professionalism throughout his career. His achievements helped elevate the profile of British kickboxing and Muay Thai and opened pathways for future generations of athletes. Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Kirkwood’s legacy is also reflected in the impact he had on his community. He represented the values that sport can instil — commitment, self-belief, perseverance and respect — and his journey will continue to inspire young people who aspire to succeed through sport despite barriers and adversity. At Sporting Equals, we recognise the importance of pioneers like Kirkwood Walker, whose contribution extends beyond medals and titles. Figures such as Kirkwood help shape communities, create aspiration and demonstrate the power of sport to bring people together and change perceptions. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kirkwood’s family, friends, loved ones and the wider martial arts community at this difficult time. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Amazing work from Rohan Handa BCyA one of our Sporting Equals Awards 2026 finalists 👏

Sporting Equals official statement regarding the allegations made by Premier League football referee Sunny Gill following a reported incident on Saturday.

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 – 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗮 𝗠𝗕𝗘 Sadia Kabeya’s impact has been nothing short of exceptional — a key figure in England’s 2025 Rugby World Cup victory, Player of the Match in the final and now an MBE recipient. Her performances and influence continue to elevate women’s rugby. Congratulations, Sadia! #SportingEqualsAwards2026 #SEAwards26 #SEAwards26Winners 

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 - 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝘂 Through the Empowering Black Women Through Triathlon programme, BADU Community CIC has transformed access to swimming by creating culturally safe, supportive spaces where Black women build confidence, skills and long term wellbeing in and beyond the water. Congratulations, Team BADU! Swim England #SportingEqualsAwards2026 #SEAwards26 #SEAwards26Winners 

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 – 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼 𝗜𝘁𝗼𝗷𝗲 From captaining England during the 2025 international season to delivering world class performances across Tests and the Six Nations, Maro Itoje continues to redefine what leadership in elite sport looks like, inspiring on and off the pitch. Congratulations, Maro Itoje! #SportingEqualsAwards2026 #SEAwards26 #SEAwards26Winners 

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 - 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮 𝗕𝗶  Through Sporting Pathways CIC, Salma Bi has built transformative opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly Muslim women and girls. Her flagship programme The Fifty creates national pathways through cricket, leadership and wellbeing. Congratulations, Salma Bi BEM BCAe! #SportingEqualsAwards2026 #SEAwards26 #SEAwards26Winners 

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 – 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 Tigers Engage has supported over 500 children and young people across Westminster, delivering culturally sensitive sports on local estates. By creating safe, trusted spaces, the programme has strengthened confidence, wellbeing, and belonging. Congratulations, Tigers Engage! #SportingEqualsAwards2026 #SEAwards26 #SEAwards26Winners