Keeping Cork Active
Deadline Sunday September 28th
This is the fourth year of the awards that seek to recognise the amazing work done by volunteers in promoting sport and physical activity throughout Cork city and county.
The Active Cork Community Awards were established by Cork Sports Partnership under its Active Cork Communities Initiative to honour, recognise and celebrate the individuals and groups in our local communities that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities, while equally promoting positive health and wellbeing for all. Those nominated enhance the quality of life and health of their local community.
Throughout the first two years of the awards, Cork Sports Partnership has highlighted the invaluable work being done throughout Cork. Many extremely worthwhile individuals and groups were recognised for their tremendous work while facing many tough challenges. The awards acknowledged the people and groups have gone above and beyond to support their communities.
Communities have come up with unique and innovative ways to keep people engaged in physical activity and sport, thus supporting them to look after their physical and mental health.
Working with local partners and agencies we can again recognise the efforts of many communities in Cork with our Active Community Awards.
The Active Community Awards are coordinated by Cork Sports Partnership with the support of local partners, agencies and organisations.
The aim of the Active Community Awards is:
1. ACTIVE COMMUNITY GROUP OR CLUB
Celebrates a volunteer-led club or group that promotes physical activity and sport in their local community through inclusive, sustainable, and impactful initiatives.
This award celebrates the collective efforts of volunteer-led clubs or groups that champion physical activity and sport within their local communities. These groups play a vital role in creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, often through grassroots initiatives, local events, and sustained community engagement.
Nominees in this category should demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion, innovation, and impact. Whether through coaching, facility development, or community campaigns, these groups help foster healthier, more connected communities. Their work is often driven by volunteers and reflects a deep understanding of local needs.
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Examples
Local sports clubs, walking groups, community fitness collectives, disability-inclusive activity groups, youth clubs.
2. ACTIVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL AWARD (NEW 2025 CATEGORY)
Recognises a school that actively promotes physical activity and wellbeing among students, staff, and the wider school community through inclusive and creative initiatives.
The School Award recognises primary or secondary schools that embed physical activity into the heart of school life. These schools go beyond standard PE classes to create a culture of movement, wellbeing, and inclusion for students and staff alike.
Nominees should show how they creatively integrate activity into the school day, engage with national or local campaigns, and ensure that all students—regardless of ability—have opportunities to participate. Collaboration with external partners and a commitment to long-term impact are key strengths in this category.
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Examples
Schools involved in Active Schools, Operation Transformation, or running their own inclusive PE or wellbeing programmes.
3. ACTIVE COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
Honours an individual who has made a significant voluntary contribution to promoting physical activity and sport in their community.
This award honours an individual who has made a significant voluntary contribution to promoting physical activity and sport in their community. These champions are often the driving force behind local initiatives, inspiring others through their leadership, dedication, and passion.
Nominees should be acting in a voluntary capacity and demonstrate sustained involvement in community sport or physical activity. Their impact may be seen through coaching, organising events, mentoring others, or advocating for inclusive opportunities. Without their efforts, many local programmes would not exist.
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Examples
Volunteer coaches, community fitness leaders, local campaigners, individuals leading inclusive activity programmes.
4. ACTIVE COMMUNITY INCLUSION AWARD
Acknowledges a group or organisation that plays a leading role in making physical activity accessible to socially excluded or marginalised communities.
The Inclusion Award acknowledges groups or organisations that lead the way in making physical activity accessible to socially excluded or marginalised communities. These nominees use sport and movement as tools to break down barriers and improve wellbeing.
Eligible nominees work with groups such as people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, the Travelling community, or those in Direct Provision. Their programmes should be inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in community needs. The award celebrates those who ensure no one is left behind when it comes to being active.
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Examples
Services working with people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, Travelling community, older adults, people in Direct Provision or experiencing homelessness.
Active Community Campaign
Active Community Champion
Active Community Group
Active Community Inclusion
Active Community Group
Active Community Champion
Active Community Campaign
Active Community Inclusion
Cork Sports Partnership would like to thank and acknowledge all the 2022 nominees and finalists:
Active Community Group
Cork Sports Partnership would like to thank and acknowledge all the 2021 nominees, finalists and category winners. Please click on the link below to watch the Awards Ceremony on playback and check out all our wonderful finalists and category winners below:
Congratulations to all of our worthy Winners and Finalists for 2021:
>> Post Awards Press Release Final<<
Contact: Tim Burke at [email protected]
