The European Commission organised the ninth edition of the #BeActive Awards on November 23, celebrated as a hybrid event, with in-person attendance in Brussels, and online streaming.

The opening speech was made by the new European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova, reflecting on the commendable actions and activities carried out within the European Week of Sport, #BeActive campaign in general and the 2-year #Healthylifestyle4all initiative, which is concluding this year.

The awards were created to support projects and individuals dedicated to promotion of sport and physical activity across Europe. The awards have 4 categories: Education, Workplace, Local Hero and Across Generation Award.

Leading by example, the following awards were attributed, out of 102 initiatives submitted and 12 finalists: #BeActive Education Award: Martorell Municipal Board of People's Care Services (ESP); #BeActive Workplace Award: Eversports (AUT); #BeActive Local Hero Award: Kalin Vasilev (BUL); #BeActive Across Generation Award: Vila Nova de Cerveira Municipality (POR).

Following the awards ceremony, a panel debate on healthy lifestyles followed, with participation of the new Director General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen; Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity of Finland Sandra Bergqvist; and Secretary General, International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Jacob Schouenborg.

The following day, representatives of the national coordinating bodies and official partners of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign met in Brussels. The internal meeting of the key players was opened by the Head of the Sport Unit of the European Commission Florencia Van Houdt.

The meeting then focused on the highlights of the 2023 campaign, reviewing this year’s activities, reaching the goals, and making plans for next year's campaign and activities.

European University Sports Association (EUSA) is an official partner of the European Week of Sport, the #BeActive campaign and the #HealthyLifestyle4All initiative. The event in Brussels was attended by its Communication and Projects Manager Andrej Pisl.

For more information, please see https://sport.ec.europa.eu/event/beactive-awards-ceremony-2023