The European Commission’s 7th edition of the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards took place virtually on 4 May 2022. These awards shine a spotlight on sport projects that encourage and enable social inclusion, stemming from the belief that sport and physical activity embody mediums that outshine others, as they bridge differences.
In this spirit, moderator Radha Balani recalled how effective sport and physical activity are, when used correctly, to drive change and break down barriers, before revealing the 2021 edition of the awards received 87 incredible applications.
Following testimonies from the 2020 award winners, and from Yana Vorushylo (the former captain of Ukraine’s national hockey team), European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, reaffirmed the European Union’s stance and support towards Ukraine. She further asserted the Commission’s commitment to support social inclusion through sport and physical activity, to promote EU values through the latter, and stressed that inclusion is inseparable from health. The HealthyLifestyle4All initiative demonstrates this commitment for action, and stakeholders were invited to join the movement and make their pledge.
For their part, Tomasz Frankowski, co-chair of the European Parliament’s Sports Group, and Gilles Quénéhervé, director within the French Ministry of Sports, pointed out the progress achieved in terms of inclusivity and strongly emphasised the role of sport as a vector for integration. Commissioner Gabriel then proceeded to reveal the winners of each category, as can be found below.
The 2021 #BeInclusive Award finalists and winners:
Breaking barriers
- FTK - Litcam Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft Mbh (Germany)
- Gift - Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
- Ijf Judo for Peace - International Judo Federation (Hungary)
Celebrating Diversity
- Cosports, Cyprus Prisons Department - Ministry of Justice and Public Order (Cyprus)
- Handy Cycling Marathon - Cesta za Snem (Czechia)
- Sail Away - Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneias Kai Paidiou (Greece)
Inspiring change
- ABALL4ALL - Orama neon youthorama (Greece)
- Oshcta - Pokret Treceg Doba Srbije (Serbia)
- Talent and Tenacity - ASP Asilo Savoia (Italy)