2026 BeActive Sport Awards Inclusion Initiative

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Inclusion recognize sport organizations across Europe that use sport and physical activity to promote social inclusion, gender equality, diversity, and community cohesion. The 2026 edition supports initiatives addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged groups such as minorities, people with disabilities, and vulnerable youth, with a total funding pool of €25,000. Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States and Erasmus+ associated countries that demonstrate measurable social impact through sport.

BeActive EU Sport Awards – Inclusion 2026 Overview

The BeActive EU Sport Awards – Inclusion is a European initiative designed to recognize organizations using sport as a tool for social transformation, inclusion, and equality. The program highlights initiatives that improve access to sport and physical activity for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups across Europe.

It focuses on promoting:

• Social inclusion through sport
• Gender equality and diversity
• Community participation and cohesion
• Volunteering in sports activities
• Reduction of barriers to participation

Purpose and Key Objectives

The awards aim to showcase how sport contributes to positive social change and stronger communities.

Core Objectives

• Increase participation in sport for marginalized groups
• Promote equality and non-discrimination
• Strengthen intergenerational connections
• Encourage volunteering in sport
• Support peace, unity, and diversity

Focus Areas

• Schools and educational institutions
• Workplaces and community programs
• Local grassroots initiatives
• Disability-inclusive sport programs
• Youth engagement projects

What the Award Recognizes

The Inclusion category highlights initiatives that use sport to create measurable social impact.

Social Inclusion and Equality

• Equal access to sport for all genders
• Removal of participation barriers
• Inclusion of underrepresented communities

Community Development

• Strengthening local communities
• Encouraging volunteering
• Building social trust and cooperation

Support for Vulnerable Groups

• Ethnic minorities
• People with disabilities
• Vulnerable youth
• Economically disadvantaged groups

Funding Information (2026)

• Total funding available: €25,000
• Supports initiatives promoting inclusion through sport
• Focus on social cohesion and community engagement

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Public organizations
• Private organizations
• NGOs and non-profits
• International organizations
• Natural persons (where applicable)

Eligible Countries

• EU Member States
• Overseas countries and territories linked to the EU
• Erasmus+ associated countries
• Countries under Erasmus+ association negotiations

Why the Awards Matter

Key Benefits

• International recognition for sport initiatives
• Encourages inclusive sport models
• Strengthens EU collaboration
• Promotes equality and diversity
• Supports community development

Broader Impact

• Reduces social inequality
• Improves health and wellbeing
• Increases youth participation
• Builds inclusive societies

How the Award Process Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Application submission
2. Eligibility screening
3. Impact evaluation
4. Selection of winners
5. Award recognition and visibility

How to Apply

Preparation Steps

• Define inclusion-focused sport initiative
• Collect evidence of impact
• Identify target groups
• Show measurable outcomes
• Demonstrate sustainability

Requirements

• Organization details
• Project description
• Evidence of results
• Target group information
• Implementation plan

Common Mistakes

Application Mistakes

• Weak explanation of impact
• No measurable outcomes
• Poor alignment with inclusion goals
• Missing documents

Strategic Mistakes

• Focus only on sport performance
• Lack of inclusion focus
• No community engagement plan
• No long-term sustainability

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define social impact
• Use data and evidence
• Highlight real community stories
• Show long-term sustainability
• Focus on inclusion outcomes

FAQ – BeActive EU Sport Awards (Inclusion)

1. What is this award about?

It recognizes sport initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, and social cohesion across Europe.

2. Who can apply?

Public, private, and non-profit organizations from eligible Erasmus+ countries.

3. What is the funding amount?

The total funding pool is €25,000 for 2026.

4. What kind of projects are eligible?

Projects using sport to support inclusion and disadvantaged groups.

5. Who should benefit from these initiatives?

Ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, vulnerable youth, and marginalized communities.

6. Is athletic performance important?

No, focus is on social impact, not sports performance.

7. How is success measured?

Through inclusion impact, participation levels, and community outcomes.

Conclusion

The BeActive EU Sport Awards – Inclusion (2026) promote sport as a powerful tool for social change across Europe. The program supports initiatives that reduce inequality, empower disadvantaged groups, and strengthen community cohesion. With €25,000 in funding, it encourages organizations to build inclusive, sustainable, and impactful sport programs.