Allianz has introduced the Unity Awards, a new initiative designed to highlight individuals and organisations across the UK who use sport to bring people together.
The awards are part of the insurer’s wider ‘Power of Unity’ programme, which aims to counter social division by supporting community-based sports initiatives.
The programme invites entries from grassroots sports participants, including clubs, coaches, teammates, and parents. Applicants are encouraged to submit 30-second videos sharing personal stories that demonstrate how sport has contributed to unity, inclusion, or the bridging of cultural or social divides.
Award recipients will be recognised across categories such as coach, teammate, club supporter, and parent. Winners will receive Unity jerseys as well as financial backing to support ongoing efforts in their local communities. Support may take the form of team kit, clubhouse improvements, or training workshops, depending on the specific needs identified by awardees.
The financial backing will be delivered through Allianz’s MoveNow Fund, which was established to support sport-based community initiatives. The fund may provide new equipment, facilities upgrades, or other resources requested by Unity Award recipients to help maintain or expand their impact.
Submissions are open from June 1 to June 30, 2025. Participants can share their stories either through Allianz’s Power of Unity content hub or by posting them on social media platforms using designated campaign tags. The insurer aims to make the entry process accessible to a wide range of community groups and individuals across the UK.
A joint study by Allianz and the International Olympic Committee surveyed 5,000 individuals aged 12 to 24 and 2,000 parents of 12- to 18-year-olds in 10 countries. The results showed that 77% of respondents believe sport helps them form friendships, 58% feel a stronger sense of belonging when participating in sports, and 72% view sport as having social value.
Selected stories from Unity Award recipients will also be featured in Allianz’s broader marketing and engagement campaigns. These include initiatives in both the UK and Germany, where award recipients’ narratives will be incorporated into social media and influencer-led content.
Carolyn Rich (pictured above), director of brand at Allianz UK, said the awards are intended to showcase the positive impact of sport.
“We know firsthand from our work with community grass roots clubs across the UK, that there are many inspirational and deserving unsung sporting heroes out there. We are very excited to hear their stories and celebrate the incredible role they play in bringing people from all backgrounds together around a shared passion,” Rich said.
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