The everyday heroes who keep the capital’s grassroots sports scene thriving and accessible to all were celebrated at the 2026 London Sport Awards. Taking place at the iconic Guildhall, the prestigious regional awards welcomed high-profile guests such as Olympian and TV personality Montell Douglas, who hosted proceedings, British bobsledder Greg Cackett, LSA CEO Emily Robinson, and Edward Lord, lead member for Sport at City of London Corporation.
As well as honoring all those present, another highlight of the event, which was enjoying its 10th year, was a Q&A session with Douglas, who is only the second British woman to have competed at both a Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and Cackett, a three-time Winter Olympian and World Championship silver medallist who competed for Team GB at Milano-Cortina 2026. Guests heard about the 36-year-old’s brilliant sporting career and his life outside of the sport.
Supported by the City of London Corporation, the 2026 London Sport Awards honored inspiring individuals, projects, and organizations across ten categories, from volunteers and community clubs to businesses and tech innovators, who are helping Londoners lead healthier, more active lives. From the hundreds of nominations that were made, an expert panel of judges shortlisted 26 nominees across the ten awards that were given out.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the London Sport’s Board of Trustees chair Jillian Moore, went to David Crilly for his over 30 years of incredible service helping transform youth sport in South London. He has mentored over 500 young people, supported the first female-only FA Level 2 course in London, secured over £120,000 in grants, and has battled to breakdown social and cultural barriers.
Sports Fun 4 All scooped the Enhancing The Sporting Workforce Award in association with Opinium to kick off the ceremony, with Fulham Reach Boat Club winning the Environmental Sustainability Award which was presented by Cackett. The Community Impact Award in association with Upshot was won by Barnet Walking Football Club, while Charlie Beatt of the London Fire Brigade was announced as the winner of the Supporting Young Londoners Award, presented by content creator Jamie Shawyer, aka LDN Movements, for his incredible efforts running the Brigade’s free community boxing programme.
It was double delight for theMovement, a charity which removes barriers to exercise for women who have experienced severe trauma including homelessness and domestic abuse, as they won both the Safer Sport Award and the Health and Wellbeing Award either side of the interval. During the break, guests and dignitaries enjoyed an excellent food and drinks reception while sharing their stories with one another.
Douglas, who is Fire in the hit BBC TV show Gladiators, hosted an engrossing game of ‘Heads or Tails’ in which the audience had to choose answers to a series of questions attached to either their head or ‘tail’. The winner received four tickets to the Gladiators Live Tour, while the second prize was two VIP tickets to the Super League Basketball Play-off Finals at the O2.
Hackney council reveled in being named the winners of the Active Environment Award, which was presented by Douglas’ fellow Gladiator Quang Luong, aka Viper, alongside director at NLA Niki Kernohan. The Volunteer of the Year Award in association with Sport England was picked up by Sammy Taubman of Finsbury Park. For over 15 years, Sammy has used sport to coach people from all backgrounds, mentorship, discipline, and how to build their confidence.
The Elfrida Society were also delighted after they collected the Inclusive London Award in association with The Clink Events for their work breaking down barriers to physical activity for adults and young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.
London Sport CEO Emily Robinson said: “The London Sport Awards is a fabulous showcase that brings to life all the different groups, volunteers, and grassroots sports organizations in the city of London that are doing amazing things. We want people to feel really encouraged that their hard work is being recognized as different sports and well-being activities are incredibly important to the lives of Londoners.”
Douglas added: "Helping Londoners be healthier, happier, and live longer lives, that is what this is all about. It’s so nice to see the faces behind those projects and programs, so you can see the impact."
London Sport is a charity that helps all Londoners live longer, healthier, and happier lives through being active. The London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, shines a spotlight on the capital’s unsung heroes who are helping Londoners lead more physically active lives. Find out more at www.londonsport.org.
