LebensLauf - Refugee youths set signs for inclusion

The LebensLauf 2021 offers the opportunity to run together, regardless of where someone comes from or what physical conditions someone has. During the 4th LebensLauf, all refugees and long-time residents, professional and neo-runners, people with a lot, little or no migration background are invited to let their enthusiasm for sport run free. Although the participants compete against each other in a competition, the résumé sets a common sign for the inclusion of refugees.
The life course is more than a sporting event. It is also about continuing to advocate an open refugee policy. There are also “running sponsorships” again, with which refugee runners can participate in the LebensLauf.

In the past few years around 500 runners have followed the call to the most beautiful and largest park in Vienna. The running routes and the Nordic walking circuit lead on winding paths through the beautiful spa park. On 5 km you can put your skills to the test by running or walking. Kids can take part in the children's run over 1,000 m. The starting money goes to the work of the asylkoordination Österreich to defend the right to asylum and the rights of refugees.

Sports for refugees with disabilities

In 2021, the fairplay initiative at VIDC will cooperate with the organizer of the LebensLaufs to draw attention to the situation of refugees with disabilities, as they are doubly at risk of being marginalized. Participants and spectators will be informed about the equal access of refugees with disabilities to Paralympic sports and grass-roots sports.

The fairplay initiative is a partner of the ERASMUS+ sports project "STEADY", which aims to bring young refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities to (para) sport. The abbreviation STEADY stands for "Sports as a Tool for Empowerment of (Dis) Abled & Displaced Youth". During the European Week of Sport 2021 (23-30 Sep), the STEADY partners are organizing events in the partner countries for the inclusion of young refugees with and without disabilities.

VIDC-fairplay will be present with an information booth and make the results of the STEADY project accessible as well as distribute information material. A group of 15 young refugees will start the run as “STEADY ambassadors”, thus sending a visible signal to reduce prejudices against people with disabilities.

Further information:

LebensLauf 2021
Background fairplay & STEADY Projekt
ERASMUS+ Project STEADY
European Week of Sport 2021