The Track and Field Inclusion Awards (TAFi) will return for a second year on 29 October, bringing together athletes, coaches and leading figures from British athletics to recognise contributions to inclusion across the sport.
Established to recognise individuals and programmes advancing inclusion in track and field, the awards will honour 11 recipients across eight categories, including athletes, coaches and grassroots figures whose work has helped strengthen communities through sport.
The return comes after a busy year for British athletics, with major domestic and international competitions providing a wide range of performances and achievements for consideration. Co-founders Joel Campbell and Michael Facey told The Voice of Sport that the challenge this year had been identifying those whose contributions deserved recognition across an increasingly broad sporting landscape.
“We’re always looking for a story in track and field that sums up the type of season we feel athletes have had and this year there are so many” Campbell enthused.
“From the Commonwealth Games, one of my favourite com petitors because of the way it platforms everybody at the same time, be they Para athlete or able bodied, to the European Championships which took place in Birmingham in August, we’ve identified a raft of people who should all be rewarded for their efforts. The public vote is closed now, so not long to wait before we find out which athlete provided the special moment which resonated the most.”
While performances at major championships remain central to the awards, the organisers have sought to broaden the definition of achievement in athletics beyond medals and competitive results.
The initiative also recognises the contribution of those working behind the scenes, including volunteers, administrators, mentors and officials, whose roles are essential to the development and accessibility of the sport but often attract less public attention.
The awards form part of TAFi’s wider efforts to encourage participation, challenge barriers and increase the visibility of people from different backgrounds and abilities within athletics.
For Facey, securing a second year represents an opportunity to build on the inaugural event while extending recognition to the wider athletics community.
“It’s great to gar ner the support that allows us to come back for the second year. We’re proud to be working with UK Athletics, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics and The Ivy Collection.”
He added: “As well as the ath letes Joel has spoken about, we’re keen to ensure the whole eco-system gets their moment. Coaches, admin, mentors, media, volunteers – everyone matters.”
“Track and Field is the most inclusive sport in the world, show me another sport that can assert that claim, if you think we’re wrong. We were very proud of what we achieved in 2025 but we aim to grow and this year is another step towards that.”
The organisers hope the second ceremony will further establish the awards as an annual occasion for recognising the breadth of contributions made to British athletics, from elite competition to the grassroots organisations and individuals who sustain the sport.
With public voting now closed, attention turns to the ceremony on 29 October, when this year’s recipients will be announced.