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Sweat Smile Repeat

2025-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0003014142025Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: IT|DE|TR|RO|PL · Grant: €31,184
Physical and mental health, well-beingInclusion of marginalised young peopleCommunity development

Objectives

The need for social inclusion, in particular through sport, was an increasingly important issue. Despite the European Commission's efforts to promote physical activity and social integration of young people, many vulnerable groups, such as migrants and ethnic minorities, continued to be excluded from the opportunities offered by sport. The European Week of Sport, which celebrates the importance of regular physical activity, was an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion, but evidence and testimonies indicated that migrant and ethnic minority youth were often marginalised from both sports participation and social integration in their communities. In many EU countries, young migrants faced obstacles related to economic, linguistic and cultural difficulties that excluded them from the personal development opportunities offered by sport. In Italy, for example, access to free or low-cost sports facilities was a barrier for many people of foreign origin, who, although resident in the country for years, did not have access to resources that could foster their active participation in social life. The same situation existed in Turkey, where integration policies were not always sufficient to ensure equal access to social resources, such as sports, for migrants, especially young people. In Germany and Poland, although inclusion policies and support programmes existed, language difficulties and socioeconomic inequalities continued to limit young migrants' access to social and sporting activities, creating divisions between ethnic groups. In Romania, the need to create safe and inclusive spaces was particularly urgent, especially for minorities, who still struggled to gain equal access to social and cultural integration. At the local level, the data collected in the different local communities confirmed these urgent needs. The questionnaire distributed to young people aged between 18 and 25 highlighted low social inclusion and equally low involvement in sports activities. The results showed a poor average in terms of a sense of inclusion in the community, and for playing sports, signs that highlighted how difficult it was for these vulnerable groups to be accepted and actively participate in social and sports life. However, the responses to the questions regarding the willingness to participate in sports for free and the belief that sport could promote inclusion showed a much higher average, indicating a strong desire on the part of young people to be included and to have access to opportunities that could help them better integrate into their community. This data pointed to a clear need to create spaces and opportunities for participation for vulnerable young people that could not only improve their physical and psychological well-being, but also foster their social and economic integration. The project aimed to achieve the following objectives: -To offer young migrants and ethnic minorities the opportunity to practice sport in an inclusive environment. The aim was to ensure access to sporting opportunities for young migrants and ethnic minorities, using sport as a means of social inclusion and integration. This enabled participants to break down cultural and social barriers, improving their skills and promoting a welcoming and participative environment. -To promote physical and psychological well-being, integration and social inclusion through sports activities and lifelong learning. Sport was used to improve the participants' physical and psychological well-being and promote social inclusion. In addition, the project provided lifelong learning pathways that helped young people develop skills useful for their future, facilitating their integration and active participation in society. -To raise awareness among the European and local communities on the importance of sport as a tool for inclusion. The project aimed to raise awareness in local, national and international communities on the importance of sport as a tool for social inclusion. Through mentoring for youth organisations and awareness-raising campaigns, the capacity of sport to improve social cohesion and break down cultural barriers was promoted. -To promote Erasmus+ and stimulate the spirit of European citizenship. The aim was to promote participation in the Erasmus+ programme and stimulate a sense of European citizenship. Participants were involved in experiences that helped them become ambassadors of European values, promoting international cooperation and inclusiveness.

Project partners (5)