Get ready for the 2024 Variety Disability Sports Awards, where the stars of disability sports are all set to shine at London’s @sohoplace Theatre on November 25th.
With comedian and all-around good guy Adam Hills MBE at the helm, this one-of-a-kind event will be the UK’s only annual awards night devoted entirely to celebrating the achievements of disabled athletes and the people who champion them.
In partnership with Channel 4, the awards recognise these athletes’ inspiring contributions to making the sporting world a more inclusive place, marking the evening with both celebration and pride as it coincides with the triumphant return from the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
This year’s award categories are as competitive as they are prestigious, with titles like ‘Rising Star,’ ‘Inspiration Award,’ and ‘Unsung Hero’ awaiting their champions.
These finalists, nominated by various national sports bodies and shortlisted by an expert committee, represent a wide spectrum of talents and achievements, from promising new athletes to unsung community heroes.
The night will also spotlight some extra-special honours, including the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award,’ ‘Sports Icon Award,’ and the ‘Charity Champion Award.’ Handpicked by Variety, Channel 4, and ParalympicsGB, these awards don’t just celebrate athletic brilliance—they also recognise a deep dedication to making sports a more inclusive arena for everyone.
Laurence Guinness, CEO of Variety, the Children’s Charity, expressed the significance of these awards, especially as the country rides high on ParalympicsGB’s stellar performances at the Paris Games.
“2024 is an incredibly exciting year for disability sport, especially after ParalympicsGB’s stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games.
We’re proud to return with the Variety Disability Sports Awards to recognise the remarkable achievements of disabled athletes and inclusive clubs across the UK.
While significant progress has been made, with only 25% of disabled children participating in PE at school there is much more to do.
At Variety, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, and grassroots support is fundamental to this.
These awards not only highlight athletes’ accomplishments but also emphasise the importance of making sport accessible and inclusive for all”
Finalists span across six main categories and are inspired through their stories of resilience, talent, and drive.
The Rising Star Award, for instance, includes Sophie Mernagh, a 16-year-old deaf footballer from Salisbury, and Samantha Gough, a blind football, rowing, and goalball athlete from Edinburgh.
These young stars are paving the way for future generations with their sheer determination and passion.
Additionally, the awards cast a warm glow on organizations like British Blind Sport and UK Showdown, who are leading the charge for inclusivity and are up for the Innovation Award.
With initiatives ranging from adaptive boxing to wheelchair football, these groups are at the heart of breaking down barriers and fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can join in and excel.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of the UK’s most celebrated Paralympians, expressed her honour at presenting an award this year. I’m honoured to be presenting an award at this year’s Variety Disability Sports Awards.
These awards mean so much because they give us another opportunity to celebrate those who are breaking down barriers in sport.
But it’s not just about one night, and the medals or achievements—it’s also about giving everyone an equal opportunity to have a go.
We need disabled children to have better access to sports, whether that’s through the right equipment, training or getting to and from activities.
Not every child will become a Paralympian, but every child should have the chance to try out sport – and even fail!
I’m proud to be part of a celebration that champions inclusivity and showcases the powerful impact of disabled athletes on the sporting world.
The 2024 award finalists bring together a dynamic mix of seasoned athletes and fresh faces, each carving their path with incredible resilience.
Among those vying for the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award are Stephen Miller in para-athletics, Dawn Williams in tennis, and Melanie Barratt in swimming—true icons in their fields. In the team category, contenders like the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the England Deaf Golf Association are in the running for the Outstanding Team Achievement Award. Their nominations highlight the impressive range and depth of talent that defines the UK’s disability sports community.
With only a few weeks to go, excitement builds as fans and supporters look forward to seeing these inspiring athletes celebrated for their contributions.
It’s a night to not only honour winners but to recognise the journey of every individual pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in disability sports.
For ticket information or to learn more about the Variety Disability Sports Awards, visit www.variety.org.uk.