Kadeena Cox and Christian Malcolm celebrate triumphant night at the 2018 BEDSAs

Kadeena Cox and Christian Malcolm were big winners at the glittering Sporting Equals British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards 2018 show hosted by Sir Lenny Henry. Business Partnerships Manager Andy Anstey attended on behalf of England Athletics.

Sporting Equals exists to actively promote greater involvement in sport and physical activity for disadvantaged communities particularly the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic population. They work in partnership with Sport England and are advisors to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Kadeena, the UK's leading female Paralympian, picked up her second BEDSA award, winning the UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year award.

Christian Malcolm, the coach of the successful 4x100 metre relay team, who defeated the USA and Usain's Bolt's Jamaican team at the World Athletics Championships in 2017 was aptly named England Athletics Coach of the Year.

Arun Kang, CEO Sporting Equals and Founder of The BEDSAs commenting on a wonderful evening said: “The BEDSA awards never disappoint celebrating the outstanding work of volunteers and communities to the achievements of World class performers like Maro Itoje, Ellie Downie and Kadeena Cox. They are now a key date in the sporting calendar and important in terms of not only showcasing the excellent work and talent among diverse communities but also highlighting that there is much work still to do to tackle inequalities and under-representation in some areas of sport”

The BEDSAs are supported by Sport England, UK Sport, The Football Association, The Rugby Football Union, The Tennis Foundation, Youth Sport Trust, England Athletics, The England and Wales Cricket Board, The Royal Navy, The British Army, Jaguar and Spirit of 2012.