21 May 2025 – As part of its long-term commitment to promoting unity through sport, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Allianz has launched the inaugural Unity Awards, a new initiative that recognises individuals and grassroots clubs using sport to bring people together and build stronger communities.
The Unity Awards form part of Allianz’s broader “Power of Unity” programme, which aims to show how sport can unite us in an increasingly divided world. To enter, local sports clubs, coaches, teammates and supporters are invited to submit a 30-second video showcasing how they bring people together through sport.
Entries can be submitted from 1 to 30 June 2025, either via social media using the hashtag #AllianzUnityAwards or through Allianz’s Power of Unity content hub.
Winners will be selected across several categories and will receive Unity jerseys, public recognition and financial support from the Allianz MoveNow Fund to further develop their community initiatives.
With the new Unity Awards, we want to celebrate the unsung heroes of sport – often volunteers – who inspire us with their dedication to teaching young people life values and the importance of standing united despite our differences.
Eike Bürgel – Global Head of Olympic and Paralympic Programmes at Allianz
Highlighting the importance of sport
The launch of the Unity Awards follows the findings of the MoveNow Thought Leadership study, conducted in partnership with the IOC’s Olympism365 Unit in 2023. The research, which surveyed young people and parents across 10 countries, underscored the importance of sport in young lives. It found that 77 per cent of youth respondents said that sport helped them make new friends, while 72 per cent recognised its societal value. These insights reinforced the need to support grassroots efforts that promote belonging, resilience and inclusion through sport.
As a long-term partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, Allianz plays an active role not only on the global stage at the Olympic Games, but also at the local level, supporting sports clubs and federations across its core markets. Through initiatives such as the Squared Ball programme – which empowers young women in football – and its partnerships with athletes, clubs and federations, Allianz continues to demonstrate how sport can be used as a catalyst for positive change. Last year, Allianz activated its partnership and spread the spirit of the Olympic Games across more than 60 markets where it operates.
