Race Equality Week 2026: Why change needs all of us

By Umar Ahmed | 02 February 2026 | TAGS: Inclusion, diversity, Racial inequality, communities, Place working

Race Equality Week takes place this week, and it could not come at a more important time.

In a time when communities face challenges around understanding and inclusion, this week highlights why race equality matters. And there are brilliant examples all over Greater Manchester of how movement, physical activity and sport are connecting communities, breaking down barriers and bringing people together. 
The 2026 theme is #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs. That word “all” matters. Race equality is for everyone, and it is something we all have a role in shaping.

In the world of physical activity, sport and movement, understanding race, identity and lived experience is essential. If we want to support people to live active lives, we need to understand the barriers they face. Race can shape a person’s relationship with movement. By understanding cultural norms, feelings of belonging, and how safe people feel in a space, we can make physical activity more inclusive for everyone.

Change does not always start with big actions. Small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference and drive real progress in our communities.

Race equality is an ongoing journey, and Race Equality Week gives us a dedicated moment to pause, reflect and take action. It is a chance to listen, challenge assumptions and see the world from a different perspective.

This year, we encourage partners to:

• Take time to reflect on your own understanding and experiences
• Complete the five-minute challenges on topics like microaggressions, recognising privilege and identity
• Talk about race equality with others and consider adding it to team meeting agendas

Find out more and explore resources for Race Equality Week 2026 (2 to 8 February) via Race Equality Matters: https://raceequalitymatters.com

Explore the brilliant examples of how movement is bringing communities together across Greater Manchester:

• Football, friendship and community cohesion in Leigh
• Funding, Legacies of Enslavement Walks: New partnership for Guardian owners and GM Moving
• Designing inclusion into the system, to include Muslim women and girls
• Watch: Inspirational Women, funded by the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund
• Watch: Community sports designing safe spaces for all at our Sports Conference
• Greater Manchester's diversity of physical activity partners: A tour with Sport England