Live sport - Embrace the future

Action accessible to all including newly-arrived migrants

PROJECT OWNER

Name of the project owner: Comité Olimpico de Portugal (NOC Portugal)

Status of the project owner: National NGO

Area of work of the project owner: Sport / Youth / Social inclusion / Professional integration / Intercultural exchange / Health / Citizenship / Gender equality / Promote the observance of the ethics of sport / Promote the dissemination of the cultural, educational and social values of Olympism / Encourage, enhance and support the training and education of sports participants
Website of NOC Portugal

PROJECT

Portugal

Geographic scope of project: National

Project objective: Develop competences for active citizenship / Promote social diversity / Educate and transmit values through sport / Practice a physical activity for physcal/mental health / Develop intercultural relations and/or intercultural competency / Promote access to volunteering in sport

Types of sport or physical activity carried out: Not specified

Partnership / supports: Grants (Grant from Olympic Solidarity IOC) / Human resources / Other partner (MoU with the Government through the High Commission for migrants - civil organisations: Portuguese Refugee Council, Refugee Support Platform, the Municipal Program for Refugee Reception in the City of Lisbon - partnership with 30 municipalities - local and national clubs and gyms, sport federations and other stakeholders)

Project duration: 2 years (start: February 2016 / end: January 2018)

Project status: Underway

Supervising staff: Professionals / Volunteers

Summary of the project: The largest refugee crisis since World War II is under way. It is a complex humanitarian situation that requires immediate responses to effectively integrate those who need international protection. Under the European Migration Agenda with the involvement of civil society, Portugal has so far accommodated about 1600 refugees, around 16% of the total agreed with the European Union (EU). A significant increase in the number of refugees in Portugal is expected in the coming years.

Aware of this challenge, the NOC Portugal believes in the strategic importance of sport in the future foundation of a multicultural society, anchored in the fundamental Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence having implemented the project "Live Sport – Embrace the Future” (Viver o Desporto – Abraçar o Futuro) aiming to promote the cohesion and social inclusion of refugees through sport. The solid involvement of the civil society in this case will contribute decisively to creating a better world for future generations, particularly to those who hope to start a new life away from home. Despite the good results achieved - we have integrated 55% of refugees into sport and HEPA -, there are some constraints that need to be taken into account in order to make the program more effective.

In fact, most refugees arriving in Portugal are Muslims. In general, Islam promotes good health and fitness and encourages both men and women to engage in sport and physical activity to maintain healthy lifestyles. However, there are aspects of the religion which affect the way sports can be practised (for example, women following their faith cannot engage in mixed gender sports) and environment and dress code require consideration. Due to religious misinterpretations, many Muslim girls and women feel that they cannot participate in sports and also seem to have very negative views regarding PE in schools reinforcing the need for a well-planned intervention.

In this context, the NOC Portugal goals for “Live Sport – Embrace the Future” are: Promote the cohesion and social inclusion of refugees through sport; Give opportunities for a sport career and; Strengthen advocacy and raising awareness around sport and HEPA.

To achieve those goals, we intend continue to promote access to regular sports activities by adjusting personalized responses to the motivations and needs of refugees arriving in Portugal and offering a 'Welcome' Backpack” containing encouraging messages and sports equipment that allow the practice of the sport of choice; empowering refugee girls and women through sport and HEPA designing specific programmes that consider life skills education, female coaches, trainers and referees and, safe spaces; provide sports holiday camps increasing cohesion among residents of the Refugee Children's Home.

Active mobility is very important as transport in cities can be expensive, especially for refugees going through the asylum process. A bike could help them to get fit and also reach the many resources that the community has to offer. We search funding for the project, to give a bike (and helmet, light and lock set) to refugees. We also intend continue to signal and integrate those with athletic potential and/or leadership skills in the formal Sport System as athletes (currently two refugees are integrated into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic preparation program) or coaches and referees through collaborative partnerships with sports federations and sports clubs. Based on programme evaluation and our own example, we pledge to influence policies and to foster public debate, to support the integration of refugees, remaining mindful of the enormous threats we face.

Sport migrant integration platform

Live sport - Embrace the future

Action accessible to all including newly-arrived migrants