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Whether on the sports field or in the gymnasium – daily games and training do not only serve the goal “Higher,
faster, further or better”. More importantly, committed teachers at school, trainers and other educators are making a
vital contribution to the social integration of our youth, especially those who come from an immigrant background. It is while
playing sports that children and teenagers acquire the sense of achievement and feeling of recognition they need to succeed in
life outside of school. They also learn about ‘fair play’ and how observing rules and a strong team can lead to success.
It is however undeniable that sports is an integral part of society and that athletic competition can bring to the
fore the very problems that society faces, incl. tensions between different ethnic groups or prejudices facing minorities.
Indeed, immigrant citizens remain in a minority position when it comes to membership in clubs or associations. This holds
especially true for girls and women. We are still not making full use of the tremendous opportunity that sports can offer
us: that is, to let athletic competition help us in furthering social coexistence.
Having said this, integration on the sports field cannot simply be achieved by providing kids with jerseys and sports
equipment and then leaving them to their own devices. Sport alone does not equal integration. Proactive and creative
project involvement is necessary to make use of its full potential. While some clubs and schools have at best limited
experience, other coaches and educators have already gathered a lifetime of expertise in this area. Imagine what could
happen if all of us could draw on their knowledge and experience! This is the very goal of our competition “United by
Sports – Sport verein(t)”.
Share past or future projects with your colleagues in five different countries. “United by Sports – Sport verein(t)”
collects project ideas that promote the integration of children and teenagers. We are looking for places where clubs
and schools have opened up to share activities and experiences and thereby made a positive contribution to the surrounding
neighbourhood. You can submit projects that showcase your work and the dedication of your students. How you do it and what
media you use is completely up to you. We accept films on videocassette or DVD, presentations in print or on a CD-ROM,
websites, musical pieces or collages. A committee of experts will then select the best concepts. These will receive
financial support, be awarded a prize by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and presented to
the public at a major publicity event. But more importantly: The projects will be perfected and distributed so
that everyone can make use of them. These examples of ‘best practise” will serve as a guideline for educators
and parents in clubs, city districts and schools as well as for the real stars in this competition: the children
that are so dear to us. So, come aboard and join the competition!
Download "United by Sports" poster
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