Sport Positive Awards 2026 Winners Announced
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sport Positive Awards 2026 Winners Announced
Global Leaders in Sustainable Sport Celebrated
6 October 2026 – The winners of the Sport Positive Awards 2026 have been officially announced, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations across the global sports ecosystem that are driving sustainability, resilience, equity, and climate action in sport.
Following a competitive shortlist of over 80 changemakers from around the world, including clubs, venues, federations, non-profits, academics, and grassroots initiatives, twelve winners have been honoured across a range of categories including Biodiversity Project, Community Initiative, Report of the Year, Leadership Award, and Next Generation Trailblazer.
The Sport Positive Awards ceremony took place virtually alongside Sport Positive Summit 2026, a leading global event that brings together sport industry leaders in collaboration with the UNFCCC and the International Olympic Committee.
The Awards shine a spotlight on those whose pioneering work is shaping a more sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future for sport, from local community initiatives to some of the world’s biggest sports franchises.
“Every day we read a different story about how the climate crisis is deepening. These winners exemplify what’s possible when sport steps up as a force for good,” said Claire Poole, Founder of Sport Positive. “Their bold action, innovation, and leadership are not only safeguarding the future of sport but also delivering positive outcomes for communities and the planet.”
2026 Sport Positive Awards Winners:
- Biodiversity Project: Honda Mobilityland Corporation
- Campaign of the Year: Sport Forever, Cricket for Climate
- Report of the Year: Croke Park
- Community Initiative: Ulster GAA: Sporting Nature
- Leadership: Richard Holmes
- Education and Training: Yachting New Zealand – RŪNĀ
- Inspired Innovation: German Sport University Cologne: Sustainable [Major] Sporting Events
- Next Generation Trailblazer: Ben Hardy-Jones
- Purpose-Led Partnership: Liverpool FC x Husqvarna
- Purpose-Led Partnership With a Non-Profit: Australian Football League x SisterWorks
- Research of the Year: Postcards From the Future: Polluted Sport in a Changing Climate
- Transformation: Golf Ireland – Drive the Green
More about these winners and their projects can be found at: https://awards.sportpositivesummit.com/winners-2026/
An independent international judging panel evaluated the finalists and selected the winners, recognising not only environmental efforts but also social impact, innovation, and long-term strategic vision.
This year’s winners represent a wide geographic spread and a diversity of sports, united by a commitment to transforming sport into a powerful platform for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
About Sport Positive Awards 2026
The Sport Positive Awards are part of the wider Sport Positive platform, which includes summits, reports, community initiatives, and media, all focused on accelerating sustainability and resilience in global sport. The Awards aim to celebrate and amplify the work of those making measurable impact across climate action, biodiversity, equity, and environmental justice.
The 2026 Awards took place alongside the Sport Positive Summit, in collaboration with the UNFCCC and IOC, held on 6–7 October 2026 online.
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