Published: 24 Jun 2026

Meet the inspiring winners of #BeActive EU Sport Awards

Commissioner Glenn Micallef hosted the #BeActive EU Sport Awards ceremony at Bozar in Brussels on 23 June.

An independent jury selected the most outstanding projects and people who excelled in promoting sport and physical activity.

The 15 finalists participated in a competitive selection process. The winner of each of the 5 categories received €15,000, while the remaining 10 finalists received €5,000.

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards are a showcase for the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, which started at the ceremony. 23 June also marks Olympic Day, a global celebration of sport and getting active.

Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, officially opened the ceremony.

Tonight’s finalists show every single day what sport can do for our communities.

Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture

Missed the ceremony? You can rewatch it. Recordings are available here.

This year’s winners

Physical Activity category: Município de Oeiras, Portugal

The award went to the Fit Senior programme, implemented by Município de Oeiras in Portugal.

The initiative uses physical activity to combat isolation among older adults. By joining a range of activities, participants improve their health, maintain their physical autonomy, and build new friendships.

Seeing seniors regain confidence, build friendships and participate more fully in community life is the greatest motivation.

Dr Pedro Patacho, City Councillor

Meet all the finalists in the Physical Activity category

Inclusion category: Planinska Zveza Slovenije, Slovenia

The award was presented to Planinska Zveza Slovenije from Slovenia for its inPlaninec initiative.

The project makes mountain hiking accessible to people with disabilities and special needs. Through adapted hiking activities and community participation, the initiative promotes equal access to sport and outdoor activities while fostering a sense of shared achievement.

Every shared step on a trail proves that inclusion is possible when people support each other.

Jurček Nowakk, Head of the inPlaninec Committee

Meet all the finalists in the Inclusion category

Volunteering category: United Way Magyarország, Hungary

The award went to the Flow & Learn programme implemented by United Way Magyarország in Hungary.

The initiative integrates sport and physical activity into education for children with ADHD or learning disabilities. By combining movement, inclusion, and volunteering, the programme aims to improve confidence, concentration and social connections among young participants.

What motivates me most is seeing children rediscover that learning can be joyful again.

Emese Kapui, Project Leader

Meet all the finalists in the Volunteering category

Across Generations category: Trkacki klub “Marathon 95” Varaždin, Croatia

The award was presented to Trkacki klub “Marathon 95” Varaždin from Croatia for its Drava Cross League initiative.

The project brings together participants of all ages through regular running activities designed to strengthen solidarity, community spirit and intergenerational dialogue.

We run toward connections, solidarity, common understanding, health and that feeling of belonging. We all run together.

Ladislav Gregorinčić, Club President

Meet all the finalists in the Across Generations category

Peace category: Associazione Internazionale New Humanity, Italy

The award went to the Run4Unity initiative, organised by Associazione Internazionale New Humanity in Italy.

The initiative organises races across borders in which teenagers pass a virtual baton across time zones, enabling participants to connect with one another and learn from each other’s cultures and heritage.

It is about transforming our collective hope for a more united world into a concrete, visible reality.

Agostino Spolti, Event Coordinator

Meet all the finalists in the Peace category

Highlights

Commissioner Glenn Micallef and Minister of Education, Sport and Youth from Cyprus, Dr Athena Michaelidou, shared their insights on the power of sport in our society during a fireside interview.

Sport changes lives, and, at times, saves lives. There are few places left where people from different backgrounds wear the same shirt, chase the same goal and, for a while, leave everything else behind. That’s the magic of sport!

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Professional basketball player and survivor of the 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks, Sébastien Bellin, delivered a powerful and inspiring address.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he spoke about overcoming fear, losing the ego and maintaining focus, reminding the audience that true strength extends far beyond sport.