Breaking Barriers

The work of finalists in this category demonstrates best practices in overcoming obstacles which prevent people from taking part in sport while promoting social inclusion. 

Together with Commissioner Ivanova it was Jean-Michel Saive, President of the Belgian Olympic Committee and former Olympic table tennis player, who handed out the award to the winner of the Breaking Barriers category, Olympic Urban Festival from Belgium. They actively contribute to increase social inclusion and unity for the youth.

Be Equal – Promoting gender equality in sport

Projects in this category recognise the added value of more gender equality in the sport sector, provide safe sport environments for girls, and empower women to build resilience and self-confidence.

Then it was Celia Šašić, member of the Organising Committee of the UEFA Euro 2024, who handed out the prize of the category Be Equal to Danmarks Idrætsforbund, from Denmark. They aim to include and empower young girls with an ethnic minority background into sports clubs.

Sport for Peace

Finalists in this category put a special emphasis on promoting peace and European values through physical activity.

Last but not least it was Tomasz Frankowski, member of the European Parliament and co-chair of European Parliament Sport, who handed out the prize of the category Sport for Peace to Champions Factory, from Bulgaria. They encourage intercultural dialogue and promote social inclusion, particularly focusing on the Ukrainian refugee community in Bulgaria.

Commissioner Ivanova expresses her heartfelt congratulations to the winners and to all finalists for their great work, showing the value of sport in promoting social inclusion, gender equality, peace and European values.