CONFERENCE & WORKSHOP

Conference: Sports as social integration of migrants and minority
By Hakeem Babalola

Spin, the European Sport Inclusion Network in partnership with Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Organisation, recently organised a 2-day conference in Budapest Hungary at the Central European University Conference Centre situated at Kerepesi út 87.

The conference which took place on Friday and Saturday November 25 and 26 respectively titled “European Networking Conference: Equal Access and Volunteering of Migrants, Minorities and Refugees in Sport”, focused on the social integration of minorities and migrants.

The two day event had different speakers from across Europe including Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Macedonia, Belgium, Greece, Ireland and Netherlands.

Host of the Conference, Gibril Deen, Founder Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Organisation, Hungary and Kurt Wachter, ESPIN Coordinator, fair-play-VIDC, Austria both welcomed participants.

Different speakers took turn to talk about Social Inclusion in and through sport – opportunities and challenges across Europe. The topic was moderated by Máté Hajba, Polgári Platform.

The Panel Session which discussed the role sport organisations can play in the integration of newly arrived refugees and migrants had Catherine Enoredia Odorige, Researcher, National University of Public Service, Hungary; Orsolya Tolnay, Policy and Communication Officer (ENGSO); Zsolt Balla, UNHCR; Csaba Schuller, social Worker, Menedek Association for Migrants.

The Workshop Session divided into 3 groups talked about Sports Volunteering of Migrants and Minorities: Barriers and Good Practice in the EU; Empowerment of Refugees, Migrants and Minority Groups in sports: Where are we and what is needed? ; Intolerance and Nationalism on the Rise? Innovative approaches to challenge exclusion and discrimination in sports.

The conference which was closed and chaired by Kurt Wachter and Des Tomlinson, Intercultural National Coordinator (FAI) discussed the Topic: Towards a European Sport Inclusion Network – which way forward?