Sport has the power to change the lives of displaced young people. Helping them find connections, learn new skills and find their place in the world.
There are many inspiring organisations using sport to benefit refugees and we believe there is a huge opportunity to transform the futures of these young people, if we collaborate and learn from each other to collectively advance this work – with support from our donors and funding partners. Together, we can achieve much more.
Working in partnership with multiple stakeholders we are shaping a movement. Creating sustained change and taking action together to scale, improve and innovate the way in which sport is being used to support displaced young people.
We do this through three networks: The Think Tank, Sport for Refugees Coalition and the Community of Practice.
Our Think Tank is helping increase understanding and uptake of sport and how it can help young people in displaced situations.
The Sport for Refugees Coalition was launched by the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2019 and involves more than 80 members from over 30 countries. Members are from governments, National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, clubs, associations, and civil society organisations. All have pledged to increase access to one or more of the following:
- safe and inclusive sporting facilities;
- organised sport and sports-based initiatives; and
- participation in sporting events and competitions at all levels.
Our Community of Practice experts, who deliver safe sport themselves, are growing the capability of peers within the sector.
The networks we build together will create lasting change for refugees, giving them a sense of belonging and improving their mental health and wellbeing through safe sport. Join us.
