Refugee and host community youth came together in Manisa for “Friendly Tournaments,” marking the completion of a four-month sports training. Implemented by UNHCR and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye and supported by the Barça Foundation, the project aims to build social cohesion and provide youth with safe spaces through sports activities and training.
24 October 2024, Manisa – The “Supporting Through Sports, the Peace and Protection for Refugee and Host Community Youth in Türkiye Project,” implemented by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) of the Republic of Türkiye, and supported by the Barça Foundation, has completed its first four-month training phase. Youth from refugee and host communities who completed the first training period came together for the “Friendly Tournaments” on October 23 in Manisa in Atatürk Sports Hall and 8 September Football Field.
Operating in Manisa, the project includes sports training for 4-months in basketball, football, volleyball, and handball for youth aged 8-16. Out of 1,000 targeted beneficiaries, the project has so far reached more than 550 youngsters. In addition to the training, the initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion between refugee and host communities, empower young people to engage meaningfully and positively in social life, and provide the motivation for active participation in peacebuilding and decision-making through sports.
On the tournament day, all the youth were divided into teams in their respective sports and conducted friendly games. At the end of the day, every participant was considered a winner, with medals awarded to all for their hard work and commitment throughout the training program. Guests also joined in various activities held at the festival area throughout the day. The second round of training will continue until December with new participants and will culminate in another tournament.
With continued support from the Barça Foundation and close cooperation between UNHCR and MOYS, the project’s broader objective is to provide youth with constructive, supportive spaces, using sports as a tool for protection and aiming to help foster an inclusive environment for both participants and their families in accessing local protection services.
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