Hosted by doctor, broadcaster and disability advocate Dr Oscar Duke, the Variety Disability Sports Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across disability sport.

The awards recognised internationally acclaimed athletes, grassroots organisations, schools and individuals breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for disabled people across the UK.

Among this year’s award winners were Paralympic champion, Richard Whitehead MBE, rising para-athletics star, Melanie Woods, and the England Women’s Blind Football Team.

The awards also acknowledged the coaches, volunteers, educators and organisations helping more disabled people experience the benefits of sport.

With nominees aged from 13 upwards, the awards showcased the breadth of talent, dedication and innovation within disability sport, highlighting the importance of accessible opportunities for people at every stage of their sporting journey.

Melanie Woods received the Fiona Anderson Award for Rising Star, honouring her achievements in para-athletics and her potential as an exciting talent in the sport.

Richard Whitehead MBE, one of the UK’s most celebrated Paralympic athletes and a longstanding advocate for disability inclusion, jointly received the @sohoplace Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement with junior wheelchair tennis player, Matthew Knoesen.

The Glaukos Award for Outstanding Team Achievement went to the England Women’s Blind Football Team, celebrating the team’s sporting success and contribution to raising the profile of blind football.

Loughborough University received the WeFix Award for Accessible Sport for All, while St Christopher’s School won the Variety International Award for Active and Inclusive School. Both awards spotlight the vital role that educational institutions play in creating opportunities, encouraging participation and making sport more inclusive.

Innovation was also celebrated with Picture News, represented by Katie Harrison, and Boccia England both receiving the Mountpark Award for Innovation for their innovative contributions to disability sport.

The Dreams Award for Inspiration was presented to Craig Wood for his achievements in sailing. Meanwhile the Nimbus Disability Award for Unsung Hero was awarded jointly to Peter Wyman and Rick Rodgers, honouring their dedication and commitment to disability sport.

Variety also presented a special Silver Heart Award 2026 for Outstanding Contribution to Variety, Children and Young People to Tushar Prabhu, recognising his outstanding contribution to the charity and its work supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

Thank you to the judging panel for the 2026 awards, chaired by Paralympic bronze and silver medallist Stefanie Reid MBE. The panel included Dr Kush Kanodia and Alice Evans from the ParalympicsGB Lived Experience Advisory Board, Matt Elkington from the Lawn Tennis Association’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Disability team, Nick Goldup, Chief Executive of Wheelchair Alliance, Andrew Douglas, Founder and Chief Executive of Innovision and Parallel Lifestyle and Games, and Alison Oliver, Chief Executive of Youth Sport Trust.

We would also like to thank supporters of the event, ParaGB, Variety International, @sohoplace and Commando Joe’s.

Through our work supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, Variety continues to champion greater access to opportunities and experiences that can transform lives, helping young people build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

The Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026 winners

Fiona Anderson Award for Rising Star: Melanie Woods

Mountpark Award for Innovation: Picture News, represented by Katie Harrison and Boccia England

Variety International Award for Active and Inclusive School: St Christopher’s School

Nimbus Disability Award for Unsung Hero: Peter Wyman and Rick Rodgers

Dreams Award for Inspiration: Craig Wood

Glaukos Award for Outstanding Team Achievement: England Women’s Blind Football Team

@sohoplace Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement: Matthew Knoesen and Richard Whitehead MBE

WeFix Award for Accessible Sport for All: Loughborough University

Silver Heart Award 2026 for Outstanding Contribution to Variety, Children and Young People: Tushar Prabhu

Photo credits: Piers Allardyce.