SAME aims to facilitate the integration of young refugees living in Rome into the host society by offering them safe and enriching opportunities. The project supports them in overcoming the traumas of war and exile through basic sports activities, which are structured and supervised by coaches trained in mental health and cultural mediation.

Lead organization: European Culture and Sport Organization
Partners:Programma integra, Italian Rugby Federation, Next Salute & Servizi
Funding Entity:European Commission – Pilot Project – Sport Supports – Emergency Sport Actions for Youth

Locations: Italy

Duration: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Objectives:
To improve the physical and mental well-being of young refugees by supporting their adaptation within the host community, fostering new bonds through team sports with Italian peers, and thereby expanding their social networks during a critical period for developing social and emotional skills essential for their personal growth and enabling them to adapt to their new environment.

Beneficiaries:50 young refugees

Main Activities:

– Selection of best practices in sports, mental health, and social inclusion
– Identification of young refugees
– Identification of sports coaches who will be specifically trained on mental health and cultural mediation, and who will supervise the young refugees in structured sports activities
– Organization of focus groups with the identified boys and girls to understand their needs and challenges within the host community and adapt activities accordingly
– Implementation of basic sports activities in sports clubs in Rome, with a particular focus on team sports
– Establishment of a psychological support desk managed by mental health professionals
– Monitoring and evaluation of impact
– Communication and dissemination of project activities

For more information:
e-mail: c.raguso@programmaintegra.it