The spirit of advocacy, friendship, and lifelong Sport for All contributions shone brightly during the 2026 TAFISA Awards Ceremony, held as part of the TAFISA World Congress in Prague on 13 May.
The evening brought together leaders, visionaries, and advocates from around the world to celebrate outstanding work to Sport for All and the power of physical activity to build healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.
Honouring Excellence Through the Jürgen Palm Awards
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the prestigious Jürgen Palm Awards, named after TAFISA's late founding father, recognizing individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on global Sport for All initiatives.
This year's honourees included:
Brian Dixon has been a lifelong advocate for public health and Sport for All, having served several positions including Minister for Youth, Sports and Recreation in the State of Victoria, Australia. Among his countless achievements, the "Life. Be in it." campaign he launched in 1975 remains as one of his most notable feats, inspiring people across Australia to be more physically active and lead a healthier and happier life. A Founding Father of TAFISA and Executive Board Member for over 20 years, Brian Dixon served as TAFISA Treasurer from TAFISA's creation in 1991 to 2013, and was a leading figure in the development and growth of TAFISA.
Hayono Isman is the Chairman of FORMI (now KORMI), the Indonesian Sport for All Federation, and host of the 6th TAFISA World Sport for All Games in Jakarta. Eminent senior figure within Indonesian politics, Isman was the Indonesian Minister for Sports from 17 March 1993 until 16 Match 1998. In the Sport for All Movement, he's been leading and implementing Sport for All activities for Indonesians over the years, including mass sport events, such as World Walking Day, that attract hundreds of thousands to participate in Sport for All and physical activity.
Marion Keim is the UNESCO Chair of Sport, Development and Peace (SDP) and Olympic Education based at the University of the Western Cape. Her teaching and research and community engagement areas focus on sport and development, leadership, conflict transformation, multiculturalism, youth development and sport as a means for social transformation and peace building. She is the Chairperson of the Foundation for Sport, Development and Peace and an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, certified in Mediation and Sports Law. She has coordinated numerous national and international sport and development projects for UNESCO, IOC, IPC, GIZ, FIFA and the Commonwealth.
Petr Svoboda has played a pivotal role in shaping one of Europe's most unique and impactful Sport for All traditions for more than two decades: the Sokol mass gymnastics festivals, known as the All-Sokol Slets (všesokolský slet). Since the year 2000, he has been continuously involved in their development, contributing both as a programme expert and later as a key strategic leader. His work has ensured the continuity, modernization, and growing relevance of these large-scale events, which bring together tens of thousands of participants across generations. Beyond the Slets, Petr Svoboda has been a driving force behind the systematic development of Sport for All in the Czech Republic. As a former Chief Instructor of the Czech Sokol Organization, he contributed to the advancement of inclusive physical activity programmes and the promotion of active lifestyles across all age groups.
Through decades of commitment, each recipient has inspired positive social change and strengthened opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity worldwide.
Advancing a Better Future with the Mission 2030 Awards
The Mission 2030 Awards celebrate innovative programmes driving inclusion, health, and sustainable development.
Recognized initiatives included:
The Healthy Athletes Botswana Initiative, led by Special Olympics Botswana under the direction of Sharon Reakae, provides free health screenings, fitness sessions, and health education for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It brings together medical professionals, volunteers, and communities to close the health equity gap and promote inclusive wellness. The initiative also empowers families through the Siblings Program and engages schools through the Young Athletes Program. Over 2,000 athletes have received dental, vision, hearing, and general health services through mobile clinics and community events. By combining sport and health, the initiative ensures that every athlete not only plays but thrives in good health.
The New-to-Canada Long-Term Development Pathway (NLTD) is a national, evidence-informed framework enabling newcomers to thrive in Canadian sport and physical activity. Developed through a highly participatory process-combining the lived experiences of Sport for Life staff with immigrant backgrounds, insights from settlement agencies, academic research validation, and extensive consultation within the sport sector-the NLTD addresses the systemic barriers newcomers face when engaging in sport. Published in English and French as a free, open-source resource, the NLTD equips organizations with practical tools: stage-by-stage programming guidance, quality sport checklists, barrier-solution matrices, cultural competency supports, and partnership strategies.
ActiveSG is Singapore's national "Sports For All" movement, launched by Sport Singapore (SportSG) in 2014 to make sport a way of life for Singaporeans by providing accessible and affordable sporting opportunities across the nation.The programme operates a network of sports facilities island-wide, including swimming complexes, gyms, sports halls, stadiums, and repurposed school sport facilities for public use on non-school hours. ActiveSG also offers a wide range of segment-centric and age-friendly activities designed to encourage Singaporeans of all ages and abilities to lead active and healthier lifestyles.
Celebrating Leadership with the Anita Ghosh Award
The ceremony continued with the Anita Ghosh Award, presented to women who have done an outstanding contribution towards the empowerment of women and girls in Sport for All in challenging environments. This year the Award was received by Lilamani de Soysa, an international expert in sport management, gender equality in sport, and the development of Sport for All initiatives. She has worked with several major international sport organisations, including the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), contributing to the strategic development of sport, the organisation of major sporting events, and programs supporting youth and women in sport. She is a member of UNESCO consultative structures and is actively involved in initiatives promoting gender equality in sport.
Recognising Lifelong Commitment through the Friends for Life Awards
The Friends for Life Awards pay tribute to longstanding supporters and champions of the global Sport for All movement. The ceremony celebrated individuals whose friendship, collaboration, and dedication have helped strengthen the international TAFISA family over many years. This year's Friends for Life Awardees were:
A Celebration of Unity and Inspiration
The ceremony concluded with special recognitions, heartfelt tributes, and a collective reminder of the transformative power of sport and physical activity.
Two final accolades were celebrated during the closing of the event:
More than an awards ceremony, the evening reflected the core mission of TAFISA: creating an active world where everyone can participate, connect, and thrive. As delegates from across the globe gathered in Prague, the TAFISA Awards 2026 served as a powerful celebration of leadership, inclusion, friendship, and the enduring impact of Sport for All.
Find more information on the TAFISA Awards here: TAFISA Awards | TAFISA
