The spring of 2026 witnessed a trio of high-profile award ceremonies that placed inclusive sport at the forefront of public attention. In London, the fifth Out For Sport Awards gathered a record-breaking crowd at Shoreditch’s Ballie Ballerson, while Sydney prepared to host the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards (NATSISA) at the iconic Cricket Ground. A week later, Variety’s Disability Sports Awards lit up Soho Place, honoring both elite performers and the organisations that opened doors for disabled athletes.
Out For Sport Awards shine a light on queer sport in London
More than 150 participants filled the whimsical venue, marking the largest attendance since the event’s inception. The gala, now in its fifth edition, recognised excellence across eleven categories ranging from Club of the Year to Volunteer of the Year. ACE Players Tennis Croydon, the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ tennis club, walked away with the coveted Club of the Year trophy and saw its long-time coordinator Leigh Armstrong receive the Ivan Bussens Lifetime Achievement Award. Armstrong, a three-decade veteran, highlighted the club’s commitment to making every player feel valued, regardless of identity.
North London Lob-sters’ captain Simon Shipman earned Volunteer of the Year after he established the club’s inaugural competition team and deliberately chose to lead from the sidelines. His speech underscored the growing urgency of safeguarding inclusive spaces amid rising transphobia, a theme echoed by many attendees. The London Otters Rowing Club captured both Inclusive Club of the Year and Rising Team of the Year, the latter for its novice women’s eight that debuted in competition. Their dual success reflects a strategic focus on financial aid for struggling members and adaptive equipment for disabled rowers.
Rugby’s Kings Cross Steelers, fresh from a Bingham Cup triumph in Brisbane and gold medals at the Valencia Gay Games, were named Team of the Year. In the individual arena, Sam Woodcock of Ishigaki Ju Jitsu clinched Sporting Achievement of the Year after earning a black belt despite multiple injuries, including dislocated toes. Newcomer of the Year went to Emma Keen, chair of Out to Swim London, who also set a new IGLA record in the 800-metre freestyle.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards spotlight Indigenous excellence
Organised by the National Indigenous Sports Foundation, the NATSISA will unfold on 7 November at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with former rugby league great Dean Widders and multi-sport star Bo de la Cruz hosting. The ceremony will crown 33 finalists across eleven categories, celebrating athletes such as Caitlyn Costello (rugby union) and Calab Law (athletics) for National Sportsperson of the Year, as well as senior figures like Adrian “Ringo” Morgan (Australian Rules football) for National Senior/Elder Sportsperson of the Year.
Team accolades feature the Fitzroy Stars Women’s Football Team and Clifton Hill Jiu-jitsu squad, while the National Community Sporting Organisation of the Year recognises grassroots groups like Fitzroy Stars Football Netball Club and the Koorie Academy. The awards also honour volunteers, coaches and media representatives, highlighting the ecosystem that sustains Indigenous sport. Olympic icon Cathy Freeman is slated as the special guest speaker, underscoring the event’s national significance.
Variety Disability Sports Awards elevate hidden heroes and elite athletes
The Variety Disability Sports Awards took place on 12 October at London’s Soho Place, with Dr. Oscar Duke presiding as host. Paralympic sprint champion Thomas Young received a surprise Sports Icon Award, a moment that encapsulated the ceremony’s blend of high-profile triumphs and behind-the-scenes contributions. Veteran Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE was honoured with the Outstanding Individual Achievement award, reinforcing his lifelong advocacy for disability inclusion.
Teen tennis prodigy Matthew Knoesen joined Whitehead on the podium, illustrating the event’s commitment to recognising emerging talent alongside seasoned champions. The England Women’s Blind Football Team captured the Glaukos Award for Outstanding Team Achievement, drawing attention to a sport that remains largely unseen by the mainstream.
Institutional excellence was celebrated with Loughborough University winning the WeFix Award for Accessible Sport for All, and St Christopher’s School receiving the Variety International Award for Active and Inclusive School. Innovation was highlighted through the Mountpark Award, shared by Picture News and Boccia England, acknowledging creative approaches to disability sport. Craig Wood’s sailing feats earned the Dreams Award for Inspiration, while Peter Wyman and Rick Rodgers were named Unsung Heroes for their quiet yet vital contributions.
Closing the night, Tushar Prabhu received the Silver Heart Award for his outstanding service to Variety’s programmes that supply adaptive equipment and work-experience opportunities to disadvantaged youth. Across all three ceremonies, the common thread was clear: sport can be a catalyst for community building, representation and social change when barriers are dismantled and inclusive pathways are nurtured.
