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

Application submission
Eligibility screening
Impact evaluation
Selection of winners
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.