Save the Dream and its partners in the EU ERASMUS+ CrosSport project recently hosted the final conference in Lisbon, Portugal. The event was held at Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor and provided a platform to commemorate World Refugee Day by promoting integration, inclusion, tolerance, and solidarity. Discussions at the conference focused on sharing insights and experiences from project partners, participating organizations, and representatives from the refugee community. The CrosSport project aims to foster inclusion and integration of youth refugees through the use of sports, establishing collaborative mechanisms and peer-to-peer platforms to support refugees and stakeholders.
The CrosSport project was designed to support young refugees in Europe by using sports as a transformative tool for integration and social inclusion. The project targeted four countries: Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, which face challenges due to migration flows. The 36-month EU-funded project established a national and European collaborative mechanism, building the capacities of sports and social development organizations. Throughout the project, partners worked together to create national focus groups, collect good practices, and design educational tools empowering stakeholders and refugees.
The project partners also developed a Methodology Handbook to strengthen cooperation between sports organizations and social development organizations, aiming to increase community participation of youth refugees through sports activities. The project raised awareness about actions promoting the inclusion of refugees and migrants in their new communities across the selected countries. The conference highlighted the positive impact of sports on young refugees, providing them with opportunities for personal growth, empowerment, and socialization.
One of the refugees, Shakiba Shaeedi from Afghanistan, shared her experience playing football at Team Hestia in Greece and how sports helped her feel more powerful and encouraged in her new society. Another refugee, Bushra Shehadah from Syria, mentioned how sport, particularly archery, provided her with inner peace during the war and opportunities for further education and personal development. Save the Dream CEO, Massimiliano Montanari, emphasized the importance of using sports as a tool for inclusion and socialization among young refugees, expressing gratitude to the European Union for supporting their vision in restoring hope and creating new opportunities for young refugees.
The CrosSport project serves as a model for utilizing sports as a platform for promoting physical and mental health among refugees in host countries. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, the project has been able to provide young refugees with opportunities for integration and empowerment, showcasing the positive impact of sports on their lives. The conference in Lisbon brought together project partners, stakeholders, and refugee representatives to share their experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of using sports as a means of fostering inclusion, tolerance, and solidarity within communities.
Moving forward, the CrosSport project aims to continue its efforts in empowering young refugees through sports, expanding its reach and impact across Europe. By establishing collaborative mechanisms and peer-to-peer platforms, the project seeks to provide ongoing support to refugees and stakeholders, promoting integration and social inclusion through sports activities. The success of the project lies in its ability to create positive opportunities for refugees, helping them overcome challenges and build a better future in their new communities. Overall, the CrosSport project represents a beacon of hope and empowerment for young refugees, demonstrating the transformative power of sports in promoting inclusion and socialization.
