The European Commission has officially opened applications for the #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026, inviting organisations, public authorities, educational institutions and sport stakeholders from across Europe to showcase projects that use sport and physical activity to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. Applications are open until 17 September 2026.

The awards recognise outstanding initiatives that demonstrate the transformative power of sport in promoting healthier lifestyles, social inclusion and community engagement. As part of the European Union’s long-standing commitment to encouraging physical activity, the competition celebrates innovative projects that create a lasting impact at local, regional and national level.

For the 2026 edition, five award categories are available:

Physical Activity
Inclusion
Volunteering
Across Generations
Peace

Each category will reward one winner with €15,000, while two finalists will each receive €5,000, making a total prize fund of €125,000.

The awards aim to highlight projects that encourage citizens of all ages to become more active, promote equal opportunities through sport, strengthen volunteering, foster dialogue between generations and demonstrate how sport can contribute to building more peaceful and cohesive societies.

At ACES, we warmly encourage all our European Capitals, Cities, Communities and Towns of Sport, as well as our wider network of municipalities and partners, to consider submitting their initiatives. Every year, ACES member cities develop inspiring programmes that improve health, wellbeing, participation and social inclusion through sport, making them excellent candidates for these prestigious European awards.

Applications must be submitted through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal before 17 September 2026. Further information and the official application guidelines are available on the European Commission’s website. More info at https://sport.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/beactive-eu-sport-awards-2026-apply-now