Raheem Sterling has been hailed as “an iconic British sports star” and “a trailblazer” after being named sportsman of the year at the 2019 British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards.
The England and Manchester City forward was praised for repeatedly speaking out against discrimination in football.
He was presented with his award at a ceremony in London on Saturday.
“He is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most thrilling talents,” said awards founder Arun King from charity Sporting Equals.
“He is a trailblazer in his fight against racism. We are proud that he has become an iconic British sports star who represents so much for BAME communities and the entire sporting community, and will do for generations to come.”
Sterling said the award was a “massive honour”.
The BEDSAs, which were hosted by comedian Nish Kumar, are organised by race equality charity Sporting Equals and celebrate ethnic diversity in sport.
Ama Agbeze, the captain of England’s netball team, claimed the sportswoman of the year award.
Agbeze, who made her international debut in 2001, helped England win gold at the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast in April 2018.
Para-athlete Kare Adenegan, 18, was named young sportsperson of the year.
Adenegan, the 2018 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, set a world record in the T34 100m at the Anniversary Games, and became European champion later in the year.
Former West Brom defender Brendon Batson, who also played for Arsenal and Cambridge and helped launch the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign, said he was “very flattered” after being honoured with the lifetime achievement award.
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On Sterling, Batson added: “He’s a tremendous individual, one of the best players in the world at the moment and we hope he has a very long career and success with England as well.”
Sterling’s stance against discrimination
Sterling has become a figurehead for speaking out against racism in football as well as the portrayal of black footballers in the media.
After suffering alleged racist abuse from Chelsea fans during City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in December, the England international said in an Instagram post that he “had to laugh” because he expects “no better”.
Following the incident, he also claimed that newspapers were helping to fuel racism with their coverage of black footballers.
He used an example of the differences in reports about team-mates Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden buying houses.
Sterling also tried to help a young Manchester City fan who was racially abused.
After the boy’s grandmother revealed he had been having a “tough time” because of the abuse, Sterling wrote him a letter.
“Stand tall, don’t let them take away your courage,” Sterling wrote. “You are strong and very brave and your nanna is also very proud of you. Keep being you kid.
“Remember speaking up doesn’t always make life easy, but easy never changed anything.”
The city winger later met the Newport County academy player after his side’s FA Cup fifth-round win at the Welsh side in February.
Following the abuse suffered by England players in their 5-1 win in Montenegro in a Euro 2020 qualifier last month, Sterling spoke about racism again.
He called on football’s authorities to take “a proper stance” and crack down on the problem.
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