The Association of Special Olympics in Bosnia and Herzegovina implements a significant project of inclusion through sports. Below, read more about the project that testifies to the value of action in this area.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of rich cultural diversity and heritage, but also a society that faces the challenges of inclusion and integration of young people and people with special needs. In this context, the cooperation between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Special Olympics of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) represents a beacon of hope. The project, financed by the Embassy of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, places inclusion through sport as a key tool for bringing young people together and getting to know different cultures. This ambitious project includes the cities of Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Brčko, Bijeljina and Bosanski Petrovac, and its importance extends beyond the sports fields.

Inclusion through sport: opening society door

Through this collaboration, UNFPA and Special Olympics BiH are working together to create an inclusive environment where young people, with different abilities, have the opportunity to express themselves and develop. Sport is recognized as an outstanding tool for building bridges between young people, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities. In addition, sport promotes a healthy lifestyle and develops team spirit, making it an exceptional means of connecting young people from different cultures and communities.

Bringing Youth Together: The Gravity of Diversity

The project does not stop at sports fields. Through a series of workshops, trainings and cultural events, young people from different cities have the opportunity to get to know each other, exchange experiences and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions within Bosnia and Herzegovina. This coming together of young people is a step towards creating a future where diversity is valued and celebrated, and stereotypes are broken.

Embassy of Italy: Support for the future

The financing of this project by the Embassy of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina signifies Italy's deep-rooted involvement in supporting the country's development. This initiative is not only sporting(about sport/sport related), but also social, as it helps build the foundations for a more inclusive and diverse society.

Cities included in the project: From Sarajevo to Bosanski Petrovac

The project is active through seven cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Brčko, Bijeljina and Bosanski Petrovac. Each of these cities has its own unique story and challenges, but through this collaboration they become part of a wider movement for inclusion and understanding.

With this project, UNFPA and the Special Olympics BiH are creating a path towards a more inclusive and diverse society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through sports, young people connect and learn about different cultures, thus creating the foundations for a bright future where all citizens are valued and supported. The Embassy of Italy plays a key role in achieving these goals, supporting a project that drives change and promotes inclusion through sport and culture.

The project started on International Youth Day at "Safet Zajko" Center in Sarajevo, and it involved more than a hundred participants from seven cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Inclusive teams from Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Brčko, Bijeljina, Bosanski Petrovac and Banjaluka participated in Sarajevo in inclusive football training, an inclusive basketball tournament, chess workshops and workshops on Italian and Bosnian culture and tradition.

In addition to the participants from the mentioned cities, in the celebration of the World Youth Day, with their participation in inclusive sports activities, a great contribution was made by sportsmen from numerous associations, among them are members from Sarajevo - "Zavod Pazarić" and "Oaza Association", from East Sarajevo - "Association for help for children and youth with special needs - SUNCE", Tuzla "Center for providing services in the community - PUŽ", with migrants from Morocco, from Banja Luka - "Sports Association of Underdeveloped Persons of the Republic of Srpska", and Athletics Club "Atletik" from Bijeljina .

After Sarajevo, the activities within the project "Let's get closer" were held in Bijeljina, in the central town square, as part of the celebration of this city's day.

Similar manifestations and inclusive sports activities will follow in other participating cities, first in Bosanski Petrovac on October 6, then Tuzla on October 13, Brčko on October 19 and Banja Luka on October 26. The winners of the inclusive basketball competition, after the tournament in all 7 cities, will participate in the final regional tournament in Albania.

The goal is to promote social cohesion, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and encourage dialogue and reconciliation among young people.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina Ingrid Macdonald, who attended the event in Sarajevo, emphasized the importance of young people in our society.

- I want us to celebrate the determination, ideas and leadership of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As UN Secretary General António Guterres has emphasized, humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contribution of young people everywhere in the world. Today and every day, we stand with young people in shaping a fair, inclusive and sustainable world for people and the planet. The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to significant representation of young people, especially those who are often left out - young people with disabilities, young refugees and migrants looking for a new start and young people from the LGBTIQ+ community who are fighting for equality - said Macdonald.

- This festival is proof of the power of young people to initiate positive changes in their communities. Let's accept inclusiveness and recognize the significance of this celebration for promoting unity, dialogue and mutual understanding - said Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Matteo Evangelista.

Statement by Mr. Hector Ramirez, UNFPA Program Analyst:

"Looking at this project, we cannot emphasize enough how important inclusion is in our society, especially through sports. Through this cooperation with the Special Olympics of BiH, we not only create opportunities for young people with different abilities to express themselves and develop, but also build bridges between communities and cultures throughout the country. Sport is not only a physical activity, but also a tool that brings people together and teaches them the importance of teamwork, support and understanding. Through this project, UNFPA is proud to be a partner in creating a more inclusive and diverse Bosnia and Herzegovina , where every child and young person has the opportunity to realize their full potential."

Director of the BiH Special Olympics prof. Dr. Kada Delić Selimović she emphasized at the festival's opening ceremony that inclusive sports activities are implemented based on the strategy of the European Special Olympics, for the period 2021-2024, and that this project showed once again that we are on the right track for inclusion to take root in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The address of Mr. Hector Ramirez speaks volumes and highlights the importance of inclusion and the UNFPA contribution to the project of inclusion through sports and culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.