Breaking barriers: sport as a source of resilience

Sport is instrumental in breaking barriers and bringing people together. From creating a sense of European identity to building a more inclusive world, any group dealing with social challenges such as ethnic minorities, refugees, migrants, people with disabilities or any other vulnerable group in society finds in sport and physical activity a source of resilience.  

How European Week of Sport partners are breaking these barriers  

There are many great projects from our partners that not only help spread the benefits of active and healthy lifestyles, but also put a special emphasis on helping disadvantaged groups overcome obstacles by promoting physical activity.  

For instance, the European Paralympic Committee (EPC) helps represent the collective interest of European athletes with disabilities. It also works with national paralympic committees to promote sport across the Paralympic Movement.

Other partners like the Nike Global Community Impact foster diversity, equity and inclusion for all by investing in organisations that bring 'today's generation together through sport and an active lifestyle so they can reach their full potential tomorrow.' 

From a more academic perspective, European think tank Sport and Citizenship analyses sports policy and studies sport’s impact on society. It is regularly consulted by European institutions, EU Member States and civil society organisations to help create policies on sport, health, and education to economy and social cohesion. 

With resilience at the core, athletes and the general public achieve more confidence in their ability to recover and overcome hardships. And because sport is competitive by nature, it often creates spaces where individuals face adversity and challenges. Surpassing these obstacles not only helps people gain more motivation, vitality and self-determination, but aids vulnerable groups integrate and feel part of society.  

#BeInclusive EU Sport Awards  

To honour organisations whose work promotes social inclusion for disadvantaged groups, every year, the European Commission grants the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards.

This award is given to European initiatives and innovative ideas that use sport as a catalyser for best practices in the field of integration and empowerment. By doing so, the European Commission provides a platform aimed at giving visibility and support dissemination of successful and inspiring projects. 

You can still submit your project! The closing date is 29 September.