The role of sports in fostering refugee inclusion in urban South Lebanon

Lebanon’s urban displacement context

Lebanon, a nation characterized by its rich tapestry of cultures and histories, has faced the formidable task of integrating a large influx of refugees, primarily from Syria and Palestine. As of 2024, Lebanon hosts approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees, making it the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Additionally, it is home to over 489,000 registered Palestinian refugees, many of whom have lived in Lebanon for decades under challenging conditions in overcrowded camps and gatherings (UNHCR, 2024; UNRWA, 2024). Urban areas, already grappling with infrastructural and economic challenges, have borne the brunt of this demographic shift. In this context, innovative approaches to integration and social cohesion have become imperative.

Youth empowerment through street sports

One standout initiative is GAME Lebanon, which began in 2007 as the first international extension of the Danish organization GAME. Operating in disadvantaged neighborhoods across Lebanese cities, including Beirut and Saida, GAME Lebanon organizes training sessions in street basketball, street football, and street dance. These sessions are led by young volunteers known as Playmakers, who run weekly practices in local GAME Zones, creating inclusive spaces for children and youth from diverse backgrounds to come together and engage in positive activities. The program emphasizes youth entrepreneurship, empowerment, and social stability, aiming to foster a sense of community and mutual respect among participants.

Teaching peace and life skills through play

Another significant contributor is Anera's Sports for Peace Program, which integrates sports into youth programs within Palestinian refugee camps and areas hosting Syrian refugees and Lebanese communities. By utilizing local football clubs and other sports activities, Anera teaches conflict management and life skills, as well as health and hygiene education, to marginalized youth. This approach promotes understanding and peaceful coexistence among Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities, demonstrating the power of sports as a unifying force. 

UNICEF's football for social cohesion project

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, UNICEF launched the Football for Social Cohesion Project, aiming to mitigate tensions between Syrian and Lebanese adolescents. The project provided 3,600 children from refugee and host communities with football and life skills support through sports, strengthening values of cooperation and teamwork. By organizing football festivals and training sessions, the initiative created opportunities for positive interaction and mutual understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds. 

Cultural celebration through Palestiniadi

The Palestiniadi is an annual sports event organized by UNRWA in partnership with UNICEF, bringing together around 300 youth in Lebanon, including Palestine refugee children from Lebanon and Syria, as well as Lebanese children from different schools across the country. Participants compete in team sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding among diverse groups. The event highlights the role of sports in promoting dignity, unity, and resilience among youth from refugee and host communities. 

Impact on social cohesion and integration

The impact of these sports initiatives on social cohesion and refugee integration in urban Lebanon has been significant and multifaceted. One of the most notable outcomes is the enhancement of social integration. Through participation in mixed teams that include both refugees and host community members, individuals have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships that transcend ethnic and social divides. These interactions help dismantle long-standing stereotypes and foster a spirit of mutual respect and solidarity. Additionally, involvement in regular sports activities offers participants, particularly young refugees, a constructive outlet to cope with stress and the psychological toll of displacement. This contributes positively to their mental health and overall psychosocial well-being. Moreover, these programs extend benefits beyond physical fitness; they also serve as platforms for skill-building. Participants develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and conflict resolution, capabilities that are crucial for navigating life in often challenging urban environments. Collectively, these outcomes not only aid in the personal development of refugees but also strengthen the social fabric of the communities that host them.

Challenges and considerations

Despite their positive impact, sports-based initiatives supporting refugee integration in Lebanon face several significant challenges. A primary concern is sustainability, as many of these programs are heavily dependent on short-term donor funding. This reliance raises questions about their ability to maintain operations and scale up their impact in the long run. Furthermore, resource constraints present practical barriers to implementation. Limited access to safe and appropriate playing spaces, along with insufficient sports equipment, can restrict participation and diminish the quality of the experience for both refugees and host community members. Another critical challenge involves navigating cultural sensitivities. For sports programs to be truly inclusive, they must be tailored to respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of participants. This includes addressing gender norms and ensuring equitable participation opportunities for girls and women, which can be particularly complex in conservative or marginalized settings. These challenges underscore the need for strategic planning, inclusive program design, and sustained investment to ensure that sports can continue to serve as a powerful tool for refugee inclusion and community cohesion in urban Lebanon.

Policy recommendations

To enhance the impact and sustainability of sports-based integration programs, a multi-pronged policy approach is essential. First, greater institutional support is needed. Municipalities and relevant government agencies should formally integrate these initiatives into broader urban development and social cohesion strategies. This would ensure that sports are recognized not merely as recreational activities, but as critical tools for social policy. Second, fostering public-private partnerships can significantly strengthen these programs. Collaboration among governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors can help pool financial resources, technical expertise, and infrastructure support, enhancing both reach and effectiveness. Lastly, meaningful community engagement is vital. Actively involving refugees and host community members in the design and implementation of sports programs ensures that initiatives are culturally appropriate, contextually relevant, and genuinely inclusive. This participatory approach not only increases the likelihood of program success but also fosters a sense of ownership and long-term commitment within communities.

Conclusion

In the urban landscapes of Lebanon, sports have proven to be more than just games; they are powerful catalysts for social change, fostering inclusion, understanding, and unity among refugees and host communities. By investing in and supporting such initiatives, we can harness the unifying power of play to build more cohesive and resilient societies.