On May 12, the European Commission organised the traditional #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, as a hybrid event, with global live streaming.

The aim of the events and awards is to help to spread the word about important initiatives and increase awareness of also smaller NGOs and individuals.

A total of 101 inspiring projects were part of the 2024 edition of the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, which celebrate and highlight outstanding initiatives that harness the power of sport to promote social inclusion. An expert jury selected nine finalists to compete for the grand prize across three categories: Breaking Barriers in Sport, Be Equal – Promoting Gender Equality in Sport, and Sport for Peace.

The welcome speech was given by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities for everyone to #BeActive. He emphasized the unifying, empowering, and inclusive power of sport, noting that over 100 inspiring projects were submitted. Commissioner Micallef also underscored the role of sport in fostering sustainable competitiveness and bringing Europeans closer together.

The European University Sports Association (EUSA) also attended the event online, showing its support for initiatives that harness the power of sport to promote peace, inclusion, and solidarity across Europe.

Commissioner Glenn Micallef announced the winners at the Berlaymont building in Brussels on 12 May 2025, with the presence of of Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness and Matvii Bidnyi, the Ukrainian Minister for Youth and Sport.

For the Breaking Barriers in Sport award Bushido claimed first place with its project “Karate in Europe – Development, Experience, Diversity and Integration”, aiming at empowering sports professionals to promote inclusion through sport. The initiative featured learning visits to Romania and Denmark, where nine karate coaches trained in inclusive methods, club management, and sustainability.

The Be Equal – Promoting Gender Equality in Sport Award was won by Fútbol Más France won with its project “District Spot: Empowering Girls in and through Sport”, launched in July 2023 in Paris’ underserved 19th district. The initiative addresses the gender gap in sport by offering a free, year-long socio-sportive programme for girls aged 10 to 17, including monthly cultural outings and inspiring encounters to re-engage them with their city and physical activity.

Sport for Peace Award belonged to Lietuvos Etnosporto Komitetas (LEK) from Lithuania for its project “Fate of a Sport”, presented by European Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian Minister for Youth and Sport, Matvii Bidnyi.

In response to growing tensions in Europe following the war in Ukraine, the project united young people from diverse cultural, national, and social backgrounds through sport. It combined traditional and modern games, collaborative workshops, and peacebuilding activities to create a safe, supportive space for connection and healing. Addressing issues like youth mental health, isolation, and division, the initiative demonstrated sport’s unique ability to foster empathy and unity.

All the nominated candidates are contributing to inclusion in and through sport, demonstrated a strong will to overcome obstacles and are inspiring change for the better.

For more information, please see https://sport.ec.europa.eu/news/beinclusive-eu-sport-awards-and-the-winners-for-2024-are