Open Call: BeActive Awards for Sport and Physical Activity

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026 is a European Commission initiative that funds and recognises projects promoting sport and physical activity across Europe. It supports initiatives that improve health, inclusion, inter-generational engagement, and community participation through structured physical activity programs.

The program provides €25,000 in funding and highlights projects that reduce barriers to participation, promote wellbeing, and encourage active lifestyles across schools, workplaces, and communities.

Overview of the #BeActive EU Sport Awards

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026 is an EU-level initiative designed to promote sport and physical activity as key tools for improving public health, social inclusion, and community development.

It recognizes impactful initiatives that encourage people of all ages to integrate physical activity into daily life and build healthier, more connected societies across Europe.

Objectives of the Awards

Core Objectives

• Promote regular physical activity across all age groups
• Improve health outcomes and prevent lifestyle diseases
• Strengthen social inclusion and reduce inequalities
• Encourage inter-generational engagement through sport
• Support volunteering in sport-related activities
• Foster community cohesion and participation

Health and Social Focus

• Prevention of cardiovascular and lifestyle-related diseases
• Promotion of active lifestyles in daily routines
• Workplace and community wellbeing enhancement
• Social integration through sports activities

Key Focus Areas

Physical Activity Promotion

• Structured sports programs in schools and training institutions
• Workplace fitness and wellbeing initiatives
• Community-based physical activity programs
• Non-formal learning environments promoting movement

Inclusion and Accessibility

• Support for people with fewer opportunities
• Programs addressing social exclusion and disadvantage
• Inclusive sport initiatives for all abilities and ages
• Removal of barriers to participation

Community Engagement

• Local sport and fitness initiatives
• Volunteer-led sports programs
• Community-building through physical activity
• Engagement of youth and older populations

Inter-generational Dialogue

• Activities connecting youth and elderly populations
• Shared sport and movement programs across age groups
• Community bonding through inclusive activities

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• €25,000 per initiative

Purpose of Funding

Funding supports initiatives that:

• Promote physical activity and sport participation
• Strengthen health and wellbeing outcomes
• Encourage inclusion and community engagement
• Develop sustainable sport-related programs

Eligible Activity Settings

Projects may take place in:

• Educational institutions and schools
• Workplaces and corporate environments
• Non-formal learning settings
• Local community spaces
• Sports clubs and public initiatives

Expected Impact

Health Impact

• Improved physical fitness and wellbeing
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular and chronic diseases
• Increased awareness of active lifestyles

Social Impact

• Stronger community connections
• Increased participation in inclusive sports
• Empowerment of disadvantaged groups
• Improved inter-generational relationships

Behavioural Impact

• Increased daily physical activity levels
• Long-term adoption of healthier lifestyles
• Greater awareness of sport benefits

Physical Activity Category Focus

The Physical Activity category recognizes organizations that:

• Successfully implement sport-based activities across communities
• Promote participation in educational and workplace settings
• Increase awareness of health benefits of physical activity
• Encourage lifelong engagement in sports and movement
• Foster inclusive and accessible sport environments

Why This Initiative Matters

Public Health Impact

• Encourages prevention of cardiovascular diseases
• Promotes healthier lifestyles across Europe
• Supports long-term wellbeing improvement

Social Development Impact

• Strengthens inclusion and diversity in sport
• Reduces barriers for disadvantaged communities
• Builds stronger, more connected societies

Community Impact

• Encourages volunteering in sports
• Strengthens local engagement through physical activity
• Promotes collaboration between institutions and communities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without clear physical activity outcomes
• Weak inclusion or accessibility strategy
• Lack of measurable health or participation impact
• Ignoring inter-generational or community engagement elements
• Poor alignment with EU health and inclusion priorities
• No clear plan for sustaining activities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define health and participation outcomes
• Highlight inclusion of disadvantaged groups
• Show strong community or workplace engagement
• Include measurable indicators (participation rates, activity levels)
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability of the initiative
• Emphasize inter-generational or volunteer involvement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026?

It is a European Commission initiative that funds and recognizes sport and physical activity projects across Europe.

How much funding is available?

Selected projects receive €25,000.

What is the main goal of the program?

To promote health, inclusion, and participation through sport and physical activity.

Where can activities take place?

Schools, workplaces, community spaces, and non-formal learning environments.

Who can benefit from these initiatives?

People of all ages, especially those with fewer opportunities or barriers to participation.

What health issues does it focus on?

It emphasizes prevention of cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle-related health conditions.

What type of projects are supported?

Inclusive, community-based, and structured physical activity programs.

Conclusion

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026 by the European Commission supports innovative sport and physical activity initiatives that improve health, inclusion, and community participation across Europe. By funding impactful projects, it encourages active lifestyles, stronger social cohesion, and long-term wellbeing across all age groups.