It has been announced that the annual Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards will be hosted by Sir Lenny Henry on March 18th 2017 at the Hilton Park Lane, London.
The awards, which are now in its third year, are organised by Sporting Equals, a National Partner of Sport England and advisors to the Department of Culture Media and Sport.
Lycamobile, the world's largest mobile virtual network operator, as title sponsors, are helping lead the way in recognising and celebrating excellence with Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
Sir Lenny Henry, commenting on his role in this year’s awards, said: "It's an absolute honour to be hosting the BEDSA 2017 awards in what has been an amazing sporting year. I’m looking forward to hosting an event that rewards the achievements of elite athletes, coaches, administrators, community volunteers and other inspirational people!”
Arun Kang Sporting Equals in reply said, “Sporting Equals are honoured that Sir Lenny Henry has agreed to host our third annual awards. This demonstrates the success and popularity of the event which celebrates the achievement in sport of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and will help inspire a nation to get active. We look forward to receiving nominations from grassroots to elite sport.
Allirajah Subaskaran, Chairman of Lycamobile said: “We are honoured to support the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, celebrating the impressive contribution of sportsmen and women across Britain's black asian and minority ethnic communities. In recognising those who are making a positive contribution to sport at both a national and grass roots level, these awards help to drive change and inspire the next generation towards sporting excellence.”
The Lycamobile BEDSAs are supported by Sport England, UK Sport, the Tennis Foundation, Youth Sports Trust, England Athletics and The Army.
The award categories include;
• The Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year Award
• Sportswoman of the Year Award
• The Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year Award
• The Youth Sports Trust Young Person of the Year Award
• The UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year Award
• The Coach of the year Award
• The Army Unsung Hero Award
• The Tennis Foundation Special Recognition Award
• The Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nominations process for the 2017 awards are now open. To nominate please visit bedsa.co.uk or alternatively please call 0121 777 1375 to request a form.
All nomination submissions can be done online, emailed to bedsa@sportingequals.org.uk or post to BEDSAs, c/o Sporting Equals, Building 300, Trinity Park, Solihull, B37 7ES. Nominations close on 2nd January 2017 at 5pm.
For latest news on the upcoming awards and to get involved follow
@BEDSAofficial and #BEDSA2017.