ISCA AWARDS 2025: Global IRTS
Recognising Impact, Driving Change in the Field of IRTS
29.10.2025 Copenhagen
Showcase your work, inspire change - apply for the Global IRTS Awards!
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ISCA AWARDS 2025: Global IRTS
The number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide continues to rise, making refugee integration a growing global challenge. Finding ways to support refugees and build more inclusive communities in their host countries is more important than ever.
Over the past decade, as sport has proven to be a powerful tool for bringing people together and creating safer spaces to rebuild their lives, Integration of Refugees Through Sport (IRTS) has become a significant field, uniting organisations, practitioners, and experts around the world.
To support these efforts, ISCA established the IRTS Networking Platform and Hub, which now links six international initiatives, including Global IRTS (2023–2025). The project is coming to an end, but the Global IRTS Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of the organisations and individuals making a real difference in this field.
ISCA Global IRTS Awards 2025 – Recognising Impact, Driving Change
The ISCA Global IRTS Awards 2025 celebrate the power of sport in the integration of refugees and the building of more inclusive communities. Around the world, many organisations and individuals work hard to make a difference, but their efforts often go unseen. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the most impactful projects and individuals leading the way in refugee integration through sport.
The 2025 Awards will recognise great work in the following categories:
IRTS & Community
IRTS & Mental Health
Refugee-Led Initiatives
IRTS Role Model (Citizens’ Choice)
So much is being done – but not enough is being said. Now is the time to share your story!
By applying, you gain the opportunity to showcase your work and inspire others. Shortlisted finalists will receive international recognition, support in promoting their initiatives, a funded trip to Copenhagen, and a chance to win a cash award.
- All shortlisted finalists will be awarded a trip to Copenhagen to take part in ISCA’s MOVE Congress on 29-31 October 2025.
- The winner from each category will receive a cash prize of 3000 euro.
#MOVINGPEOPLE
ISCA’s Global IRTS Awards will be presented in four categories in 2025:
Category 1: IRTS & Community
This category celebrates initiatives that bring people together through sport and physical activity, strengthening bonds, fostering belonging, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. At its core, it’s about community—collaboration, connection, and shared joy.
Category 2: IRTS & Mental Health
This category recognises programmes that use sport and physical activity to support mental well-being, build resilience, and empower participants to thrive. These initiatives highlight the vital role of movement in promoting balance and healthier lives.
Category 3: Refugee-led initiatives
This category celebrates the courage and creativity of refugees who lead initiatives to rebuild lives and promote inclusion through sport. Their work demonstrates resilience and the power to create new opportunities for themselves and their communities, proving that sport is a universal language of hope and connection.
Category 4: Role models in IRTS (citizens' choice)
This category shines a spotlight on individuals whose leadership and dedication have driven meaningful change in inclusion through sport and recreation. These role models prove that sport is a universal language—one that uplifts communities and creates lasting impact.
sharing practical,
real-life, evidence-based
solutions can achieve
more in reality than any
theory or policy paper.
Saska Benedicic TOMAT
Head of Projects
#MOVINGPEOPLE
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We believe
in the power of inspiration.
@jacobsch
Jacob SCHOUENBORG
ISCA Secretary General