Playing for refuge

Sport as a tool for the social inclusion and integration of refugees, co-funded by the European Union.

The key objective of the project entitled Playing for Refuge is to promote the social inclusion and integration of refugees into the community in Navarre through sport, specifically through baseball and softball.

The project has a duration of 24 months and is coordinated by the Navarre Government Directorate General for Migration Policies

The Playing for Refuge initiative involves a pilot scheme with inclusive baseball activities and spaces for social and participatory coexistence between the refugees and the host community, having the potential to be integrated into public policies and to be replicated through other sports in Navarre and in other places in Europe.

The pilot scheme includes training programmes for boys, girls and adults; the occupational training of refugees as baseball referees or officials; the training of baseball and softball officials in matters relating to refugees and intercultural coexistence; the organisation of family days for baseball and softball; the creation of a support network between refugees and the local population; and the holding of regional and European championships.

The Baseball and Softball Federation of Navarre, the Red Cross and CEAR (Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid) are taking part in the implementation of the project, with the collaboration of the Navarre Sports Institute and the Spanish Baseball and Softball Federation.

The Navarre Government Directorate General for Migration Policies comprises the Karibu Hosting and Assistance Service for migrants, the Ayllu Service for Intercultural Coexistence and the Fight against Racism and Xenophobia, and the Department for European Projects and Cooperation.