Game Changers – Using Sports for Human Rights and Inclusion

In the picturesque setting of the Ajdinovići Sports and Recreation Center, a Training for Trainers  was held from 17-20 May, marking the launch of the innovative project "Game Changers - Promoting Human Rights and Equality through Sport." This two-year EU-funded project aims to promote human rights through sports, specifically by including marginalized groups and fostering positive impacts in local communities.

This event brought together 30 participants from all corners of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international experts, spanning various generations and sports disciplines. Among them were representatives from sport clubs, schools, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations, enriching the diversity of perspectives and experiences. Simultaneously, the Football Zajedno Camp for youth was held, allowing participants of different generations to engage in diverse sports, educational, and recreational activities and exchange experiences.

Mirna Hrapović, from the local organisation IZI - Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa highlighted the positive energy and enthusiasm throughout the training. “Participants were impressed by the interactive learning and discussion methods that were central to the program. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical sports activities, participants gained valuable skills that they will carry back to their communities”, said Hrapović

Over the next two years, trained coaches who have adopted the innovative methodology of using sports for community engagement will organize so-called fairplay workshops and inclusive sports events in their local communities.

David Hudelist, from the fairplay Initiative at the VIDC in Austria states that “sport, with its unifying power, has proven to be an excellent tool for promoting inclusion and human rights. "Game Changers" is a call to action for creating a fairer and more inclusive society.”

Recognizing the importance of such initiatives, the European Union is financing this project, enabling the promotion of values that are the foundation of any advanced society through sport.

Gianluca Vannini, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Head of Operations in Section III) points out that “we are happy that we were able to support this innovative initiative which will bring communities together and initiate important social discussions on human rights, gender equality and social inclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are delighted to see the upcoming activities and development of this project”.

This fall, the project will conduct the Mini Van Tour (MVT) – a unique community engagement activity that combines learning, socialization, and fun through inclusive sports activities and inclusive local sports events in the frame of the European Week of Sport. The project will also feature the first Girls Football Festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a major 3x3 basketball tournament as well as a final Round Table on inclusivity, diversity and respect in and through sport in 2025.

The EU-funded project is implemented by the the fairplay initiative (VIDC – Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation) from Austria, together with local associations Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa (IZI) and the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fotos: Sportex Agency