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

Tomasz Frankowski, member of the European Parliament and co-chair of European Parliament Sport group announced the winner of the Breaking Barriers category: Free Movement Skateboarding (FMS), from Greece. They support the wellbeing, empowerment, and social cohesion of youth through skateboarding in Athens.

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.

Emine Bozkurt, member of the High-level Group on Gender Equality in sport awarded the prize of the category Be Equal to Kajak Klub Zlatorog, from Slovenia. They are committed to removing barriers to sport participation among girls, increase and retain female kayakers in a fun, safe, girl-friendly community. 

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

Andriy Chesnokov, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine for European Integration travelled over 30 hours from Ukraine to Stockholm to reward the winner of the category Sport for Peace: Youth Line, from Portugal. They help victims of the war build a new life in the host country through community-building and sport activities.