Variety, the Children's Charity Disability Sports Awards 2026

Nominations close on Tuesday, 1st September 2026

This bi-annual event will celebrate and champion disabled sportspeople and their achievements across many levels, roles, locations and sports.

Expert partners from a range of sports federations and sport governing bodies have worked together to shape this event and look forward to celebrating with you.

Please ensure that you include all the information requested for your nomination to be considered.

Please contact the Variety Events Team at sarah.phillips@variety.org.uk if you have any questions .

Nomination Category

 

Unsung Hero Award

• Vounteer, coach or organisation with no public recognition or medals –  ‘behind the scenes’ – who are the backbone of a disability sports programme or initiative
• Nominations are welcome on behalf of individuals or organisations working at any level of disability sport: community, local, regional or national

 

 Rising Star Award

• Recognition of the level of achievement of individual improvement at any level across all disability sports
• Nominees should have reached ‘the next level‘ of competition in their chosen sport over the last 24 months and is open to all age groups

 

Innovation Award

• An innovation that has opened up any disability sport to enable wider participation through groundbreaking innitiatives, technologies, or programs designed to remove barriers and increase participation for all abilities
• Nominations may include both product innovations (e.g equipment manufacturers) and process innovations (e.g. organisations procedures)

Outstanding Team Achievement Award

• Outstanding team achievement, in terms of consistent success and improvement over the last 24 months
• Nominations are welcome from teams at the local, regional or national level of disability sport competition

Outstanding Individual Achievement Award

• Outstanding Individual achievement, in terms of consistent success and improvement over the last 24 months

• Nominations are welcome on behalf of individuals working at any level of disability sport: community, local, regional or national

Inspiration Award

• An inspirational individual or team who continually inspire others and are a positive role model
• Nominations are welcome from individuals or teams at the local, regional or national level of disability sport 

Active and Inclusive School Award

• Recognises a school that embeds inclusive practice across all sport and PE
• Highlights leadership in creating opportunities for all

Accessible Sport for All Award

• Celebrates a setting that provides accessible, varied and ambitious sporting opportunities
• Recognises a commitment by an individual or organisation to fostering a culture of belonging through sport