We Win at Sports Business Awards

Judges at the Sports Business Awards praised the work of Community Integrated Care, after our charity won the Best Sports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2025 edition of this international event.

Praising our charity, judges said: “Their work is hugely impactful. Community Integrated Care exemplifies how embedding diversity and inclusion as a core strategic priority, not a “bolt-on”, can drive profound, measurable impact, making it a clear and deserving candidate for this award.”

They added, “With a commitment to co-production and social impact, Community Integrated Care has achieved measurable outcomes, such as increased employment and confidence among disabled participants and enhanced inclusion across major sporting events. This work showcases a scalable, world-leading approach to inclusive sport and social care integration.”

Our charity was recognised for our strategic efforts to embed inclusion in every layer of the UK sports system -from attendance and participation to workforce and governance -ensuring disabled people who draw on care and support are no longer the systemically excluded in sport.

This has included significant efforts to bring the benefits of sport and physical activity into the daily practice of social care – from developing innovative training and active communities for social care, to the success of our charity’s www.what-to-do.co.uk website, which offers free live activity experiences every week with major sporting stars and brands.

It also recognised our charity’s long-term strategic partnerships with organsiations including the Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football League, British Cycling, and Sport England, to shape a future where people who draw on social care can participate, volunteer, work, learn and support in sport, with equal independence.

Praising the strategic nature of this work, judges said, “Purpose and mission-led work that is collaborative and impactful makes this stand out. Community Integrated Care clearly understand that inclusion work requires a combination of education, awareness, trust and access over a sustained period.  Working with and through other organisations ensures effective reach and impact. There is more to come from Community Integrated Care in providing a more equitable response to the needs of disabled people.”

We were also proud to be recognised with a Silver Award in the Innovation category for the incredible work of our Support Squad – a specialist team who use their lived experience of disability to provide training and support that builds understanding, confidence and action in event and sporting teams. The award celebrated their Beyond Barriers learning experience, which has empowered hundreds of senior leaders in the events sector to deliver more accessible, inclusive and enabling events.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said, “Sport is a powerful force for good. As well as the many physical and mental benefits, it can empower people to learn new skills, build friendships, and enjoy their communities. At Community Integrated Care, we believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the joy and benefits that sport brings.”

“These awards are a testament to everything we have achieved so far in this space, alongside our incredible partners who share our vision and work tirelessly with us to make more opportunities possible for people with support needs. Together, we’re breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and creating inclusive environments where people can thrive. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and delivering programmes that truly change lives.”

“Our success would not have been possible without the support of our partners, including the LTA Tennis Foundation, Rugby Football League, British Cycling, and Sport England, and our event and athlete partners. Through these partnerships, we deliver pioneering programmes that create life-changing opportunities for people with care and support needs.”

Learn more about our partnerships here.