Active Community Awards 2025

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

• Based in Cork and operating at a community level.
• Led or supported by volunteers.
• Delivers physical activity or sport programmes.
• Demonstrates ongoing engagement and impact.

Exclusion Criteria

• Commercial fitness businesses or paid services.
• Groups with no physical activity focus.
• Temporary or one-off initiatives with no sustained effort.

Examples

Local sports clubs, walking groups, community fitness collectives, disability-inclusive activity groups, youth clubs.

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

• Primary or secondary school based in Cork.
• Demonstrates commitment to physical activity.
• Engages students and staff in regular activity.
• Participates in or leads relevant campaigns or programmes.

Exclusion Criteria

• Third-level institutions or non-school educational bodies.
• Schools with no physical activity-related initiatives.
• Programmes led entirely by external providers.

Examples

Schools involved in Active Schools, Operation Transformation, or running their own inclusive PE or wellbeing programmes.

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

• Based in Cork and acting in a voluntary capacity.
• Demonstrates leadership and sustained involvement.
• Positively impacts others through sport or activity.

Exclusion Criteria

• Paid professionals or commercial trainers.
• Individuals not based in Cork.
• One-time volunteers without ongoing involvement.

Examples

Volunteer coaches, community fitness leaders, local campaigners, individuals leading inclusive activity programmes.

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

• Based in Cork and actively working with excluded groups.
• Uses physical activity to reduce barriers and improve wellbeing.
• Demonstrates inclusive practices and sustained support.

Exclusion Criteria

• Groups not focused on inclusion or physical activity.
• One-off events with no ongoing support.
• Organisations operating outside Cork.

Examples

Services working with people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, Travelling community, older adults, people in Direct Provision or experiencing homelessness.