Integration of Refugees
through Sport
2015
China, Hong Kong
7 FREE TO RUN. A REFUGEE PROGRAM
Type of Project: Initiative, project Target Group: Female refugees in Hong Kong Download PDF Developed by: Free to Run www.freetorun.org/Synthesis of the case study
The refugee program, organised by Free to Run, was organised in Hong Kong with the aim to provide hiking activities for a group of refugee women. This program with female refugees began in June 2015, in collaboration with the Justice Centre Hong Kong, providing hiking activities every week for a group of 15-20 women. In August 2015, they began a mixed-gender track training group. Free to Run is now including 45 refugees and provides them the first access-point to sports. Through sports, they are overcoming the social isolation of living as refugees in Hong Kong, dealing with past traumas, and rebuilding their self-confidence. Refugees in Hong Kong are not allowed to work or even volunteer, thus joining fitness activities are some of the few opportunities to re-develop their mental and physical strength.
