On May 4, the European Commission organised the traditional #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, as a hybrid event, with global live streaming. The aim of the events and awards is to help to spread the word about important initiatives and increase awareness of also smaller NGOs and individuals.

It is a reminder of the power of sport as a tool to highlight values of solidarity, inclusion, and peace. This year’s event was moderated by Ms Radha Balani, Director of Design and Facilitation, Think Beyond.



After the opening speeches by Ms Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and Mr Tomasz Frankowski, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Sports Group, an inspiring speech was delivered by Ms Yana Vorushylo, former captain of the Ukrainian national hockey team. She testified of the inclusivity and solidarity she witnessed through a project with the BE Hockey Federation aiming to support Ukrainian people.

Insightful speeches were given by the 2020 #BeInclusive EU sport award winners: Surf ART (Portugal), INtegrative Championship by AZS (Poland) and Ovale Citoyen (France).



Following short videos of the finalists, the winners were announced by European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Ms Mariya Gabriel.
The 2021 winners in 3 categories are :
- Breaking barriers: EnGIneering For sporT for all (GIFT) - Polytechnic University of Milan (Italy)
- Celebrating diversity: Handy Cycling Marathon (Czechia)
- Inspiring change: ABALL4ALL - Orama neon youthorama (Greece)

All the nominated candidates are contributing to inclusion in and through sport, demonstrated a strong will to overcome obstacles and are inspiring change for the better.

European University Sports Association (EUSA) with its Institute actively works on inclusive sport, also through the Inclusion in Sport (iSport) project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

For more information please see: https://sport.ec.europa.eu/initiatives/beinclusive-eu-sport-awards