It has been announced today that the 2017 Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs) will be hosted by Sir Lenny Henry on March 18th, at the London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair.

The awards, which are now in their third year, are organised by Sporting Equals, the national partner of Sport England and advisors to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.  Sponsored by Lycamobile, the world's largest mobile virtual network operator, the Awards are leading the way in recognising and celebrating sporting excellence within Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Sir Lenny Henry, commenting on his role in this year's awards, said:

"It's an absolute honour to be hosting the 2017 BEDSA awards in what has been an amazing sporting year.  I'm looking forward to hosting an event that rewards the achievements of elite athletes, coaches, administrators, community volunteers and other inspirational people!”

Arun Kang, Sporting Equals CEO said

“Sporting Equals are delighted that Sir Lenny Henry has agreed to host our third annual awards.  This demonstrates the success and popularity of the awards ceremony which celebrates the achievement in sport of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and will help inspire a nation to get active.   We look forward to receiving nominations from grass roots heroes.”

Allirajah Subaskaran, Chairman of Lycamobile said:

“We are honoured to support the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, celebrating the impressive contribution of sportsmen and women across Britain's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.   In recognising those who are making a positive contribution to sport at both a national and grass roots level, these awards help to drive change and inspire the next generation towards sporting excellence.”

The nominations for the 2017 awards are now open.   To download a nomination form please visit www.bedsa.co.uk  or alternatively, call us on 0121 777 1375 to request a form to be sent to you via email.   Nominations close on 2nd January 2017 at 5pm.

The Lycamobile BEDSAs are supported by Sport England, UK Sport, The Tennis Foundation, Youth Sport Trust, England Athletics and The Armed Forces.

The award categories include:

• Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year Award
• Sportswoman of the Year Award
• Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year Award
• Youth Sport Trust Sports Person of the Year Award
• UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year Award
• The Coach of the year Award
• The Unsung Hero Award in association with the Armed Forces
• Tennis Foundation Special Achievement Award
• The Lifetime Achievement Award
• Spirit of 2012 Connecting Communities Award

Previous winners of the Lycamobile BEDSAs include Denise Lewis, Lewis Hamilton, Jessica Ennis Hill, Moeen Ali and Frank Bruno.   For latest news on the upcoming awards and to get involved follow @BEDSAofficial and #BEDSA2017. 

About Sporting Equals

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

Our mission is to make a sustainable difference to the inclusion of all under represented communities through sport and physical activity, so as to help increase participation, improve long term opportunities, health outcomes and assist the communities to grow to achieve elite level talent.

To download a nomination form please visit www.bedsa.co.uk.   All nomination submissions can be emailed to bedsa@sportingequals.org.uk  or posted to: BEDSA Team, Sporting Equals, Building 300, Trinity Park, Solihull, B37 7ES.

Nominations close on 2nd January 2017 at 5pm.

For the latest news on the upcoming awards and to get involved, follow @BEDSAofficial and #BEDSA2017. For more information about Sporting Equals, please visit our website: www.sportingequals.org.uk or contact us on: 0121 777 1375 or email us at: info@sportingequals.org.uk.

About Lycamobile

Lycamobile is the world's largest international mobile virtual network operator and is the market leader in the international prepaid mobile calls market, operating in 21 countries with over 15 million customers worldwide and a new one joining every two seconds.   Founded in 2006 for expatriate communities in Europe, it has fast become a global brand synonymous with connecting customers with their loved ones across oceans, borders and networks at the lowest possible price.

Lycamobile's sheer span, focus on customer service and innovative business strategy has seen it outgrow its competitor set; achieving greater coverage of the European population than any other network operator.   The business continues to make in-roads to new markets on a regular basis, most recently adding Macedonia, with plans for additional launches this year.

Lycamobile is available in: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Hong Kong, Tunisia, USA and Australia.