The Out For Sport Awards 2023 took place on Friday 24th November at Clifford Chance in Canary Wharf. An evening of celebration, recognition, and community, honouring the outstanding achievements of LGBTQ+ sports clubs, teams, and individuals across London and the South East.

Congratulations to all our winners and everyone who was shortlisted.

Club awards

Club of the Year: Knockout LGBTQ+ Boxing Club

Knockout LGBTQ+ Boxing Club was recognised for their historic affiliation with England Boxing and outstanding growth as an inclusive combat sports club.

Shortlist: Knockout LGBTQ+ Boxing Club, London Cruisers Basketball Club, Camden Shorinji Kempo Club, Unicorns LGBTQIA+ Netball Club, South London Smashers, Out to Swim

Most Inclusive Club: London Royals Hockey Club

London Royals Hockey Club was recognised for their groundbreaking inclusion initiatives, supported by Nike Diversity and Inclusion funding.

Shortlist: London Royals Hockey Club, South London Smashers, Unicorns LGBTQIA+ Netball Club, Knockout LGBTQ+ Boxing Club

Tournament of the Year: Camden Shorinji Kempo Club

Camden Shorinji Kempo Club was recognised for organising a non-gendered tournament that challenged traditional norms in a male-dominated sport.

Shortlist: Camden Shorinji Kempo Club, Unicorns Pride Tournament 2023, London Cruisers Basketball Tournament, South London Smashers Singles Tournament and Finals Day, London Royals Hockey Club, Out to Swim

Emerging Club of the Year: LDN RIDERS

LDN RIDERS were recognised for their meteoric rise, community contributions, and commitment to inclusivity in cycling.

Shortlist: LDN RIDERS

Team awards

Outstanding Sporting Achievement for a Team: Team Ishigaki, Ishigaki Jujitsu

Team Ishigaki were recognised for their exceptional performance and dedication in competitive martial arts.

Shortlist: Team Ishigaki (Ishigaki Jujitsu), EuroGames Men’s Gold Medallist Team (London Royals Hockey Club), London Cruisers Basketball Club, Rosanna & Robin (Camden Shorinji Kempo Club), Unicorns EMMNA Nationals Team 2023

Team of the Year: London Royals Hockey Club Men’s 2s

Shortlist: London Royals Hockey Club Men’s 2s

Individual awards

Outstanding Sporting Achievement: Kavita Kapoor (Camden Shorinji Kempo Club)

Kavita was recognised for her rare 4th-level black belt achievement — an exceptional milestone in competitive martial arts.

Shortlist: Kavita Kapoor (Camden Shorinji Kempo Club), Alex Carington (LDN RIDERS), Matt Hilley (South London Smashers)

Club Spirit: Karan Bhumbla (London Knights Basketball Club)

Karan was recognised for embodying his club’s values through leadership, support, and dedication to his teammates.

Shortlist: Karan Bhumbla (London Knights Basketball Club), Cleo Lyn (London Royals Hockey Club), Dean Pretorius (London Otters Rowing Club), Chelsea Perrin (Camden Shorinji Kempo Club), Sue Severe & Ian Howarth (Ishigaki Jujitsu), Adam James Swindell (South London Smashers), Santiago Fernandez (South London Smashers), Tim Sullivan (Kings Cross Steelers)

Ivan Bussens Lifetime Achievement: Robert Dufton (Not So Trad)

Robert Dufton was recognised for his impactful contributions to LGBTQ+ climbing and sport over many years.

Shortlist: Robert Dufton (Not So Trad), Ryan Watson (South London Smashers)