Global IRTS Scientific Report

23/10/2024

Anita Király, ISCA

The Global IRTS - Scientific Report deeply explores how sports can help include and integrate refugees and other forcibly displaced persons through sport (Integration of Refugees Through Sport - IRTS) into new communities. Over the last decade, there’s been growing interest in how sports can be used as a tool not just for physical health but for mental well-being, social inclusion, and learning. This report pulls together academic studies, case studies, and practitioner insights to build an evidence base for IRTS programs and offers recommendations for their design and implementation.

Main Takeaways
Since 2015, there’s been a big surge in research about the role of sports in integrating refugees through sport (IRTS). The academic perspective on IRTS has shifted from viewing sport primarily as a tool for assimilation to recognising its broader roles in fostering mental health, social inclusion, and learning. Participation in sport offers refugees not only opportunities for social interaction but also mental health benefits, such as stress relief, and a sense of belonging. Sport-based programs also enhance learning and build life skills by encouraging creativity, promoting cooperation, and emotional expression, especially among refugee youth.

Successful sport programs for refugees are characterised by several key elements: the provision of safe and accessible spaces, the involvement of empathetic coaches and leaders, are sensitive to cultural differences, and keep participants engaged over the long haul. When these elements come together, the programs can have a lasting positive impact. However, challenges remain, particularly around funding models and addressing gaps in programming for underrepresented groups such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Mental Health Boost
Sport participation has been shown to offer mental health benefits to refugees, including reduced anxiety and improved overall well-being. Many refugees experience traumatic events during their displacement, and sport can provide a sense of relief and a safe space for emotional expression. Programs that incorporate mental health awareness and offer trauma-sensitive approaches tend to see the most success in helping refugees cope with their experiences.

Fostering Social Inclusion
Participation in sport fosters social inclusion. For refugees, playing sports with others helps them build social connections, develop teamwork skills, and gain a sense of belonging in their new environment. This is especially important for younger refugees, who benefit from the teamwork and social interactions sports naturally create. Sports can also provide a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, allowing refugees to express their identities while integrating into their new surroundings. This is achieved through programs that emphasise collaboration and mutual respect.

Learning through Play
For refugee kids, play isn’t just about fun; it’s a way to learn. The report highlights that play-based learning through sports builds creativity, confidence, and inclusivity. By making learning fun, these programmes provide a valuable way for refugees to develop important life skills. Programs that encourage playful learning allow participants to engage in activities that are both fun and educational, helping them to build resilience and foster positive social behaviours. The approach also enhances the participants' ability to express emotions, which can be particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma.

Challenges and Solutions
Despite the clear benefits, there are still some bumps in the road. One key issue is the use of “refugee” as a broad policy category, which often overlooks the diverse needs of individuals within refugee populations. The report suggests adopting a more nuanced approach that considers factors such as gender, age, and disability when designing IRTS programs. It also emphasises the need for long-term funding models and better monitoring and evaluation to assess the long-term impact of these programs.

In short, sports hold significant promise as a tool for refugee inclusion, but careful attention must be paid to program design to maximise its impact. By addressing these challenges and building on existing evidence, stakeholders can ensure that IRTS programs continue to play a vital role in supporting refugees in their journey toward social integration, well-being, and development. 

To access to full report, please visit the link: https://irts.isca.org/globalirts-resources 
For more information on the project, please visit: https://irts.isca.org/globalirts