Sport Without Borders: How games build bridges for refugees

A diverse group of people, including refugees and host community members, actively participating in various sports activities outdoors

When Yusra Mardini swam for her life across the Aegean Sea, she never imagined she would one day compete in the Olympics. Forced to flee Syria, she used her athletic skills not only to survive but also to rebuild her identity in a new land. Her story, like that of millions of displaced people, proves that sport is more than just a game—it is survival, identity, and hope.

The number of displaced people worldwide has risen for over a decade, reaching 114 million in 2023 (UNHCR, 2024). More than 50% of refugees now reside in urban areas (World Bank, 2023), often facing discrimination, exclusion, and misinformation. While policies and aid programs focus on basic needs, sport remains an overlooked yet powerful tool for integration, community-building, and combating hate speech.

This article explores two critical ways in which sport contributes to refugee inclusion and anti-discrimination efforts:

Bridging Communities: Cities' Role in Sport for Inclusion
Sport Against Hate: Tackling Discrimination through Sport

Bridging Communities: How Cities Can Use Sport for Inclusion

Urban centers play a crucial role in refugee integration. Access to sports—whether as players, coaches, or spectators—creates shared spaces where host communities and displaced individuals interact on equal terms. Successful initiatives worldwide illustrate sport’s potential in bridging social divides:

City-to-City Partnerships for Sport Infrastructure: The collaboration between Zurich, Switzerland, and Tripoli, Lebanon improved mobility for refugees and host residents through bicycle-sharing programs and dedicated cycling lanes (Global Compact on Refugees, 2023).
Refugee Employment in Sports: In Canada, France, and Jordan, sports clubs and NGOs have created job opportunities for refugees with coaching experience, easing economic integration (International Olympic Committee, 2023).
Grassroots Initiatives: Programs like Football for Peace (UK), Futbol Más (Latin America), and the Olympic Refuge Foundation use sport to foster cross-cultural friendships and social cohesion.

Policy Recommendations

Urban Planners & Local Governments should incorporate sports infrastructure that is accessible to refugees.
Sports Federations & Clubs should provide training and employment pathways for displaced athletes and coaches.
Corporate & NGO Partnerships can fund refugee-friendly sports initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Sport Against Hate: Combating Misinformation and Discrimination

Host communities often perceive refugees as economic burdens or cultural outsiders, a narrative fueled by misinformation. A 2022 UNHCR report found that online hate speech against refugees increased by 35% in Europe and North America. Sports, however, can reshape these narratives through representation, storytelling, and policy-driven inclusion efforts:

Refugee Athletes as Ambassadors: Programs like the Refugee Olympic Team and FIFA’s Football Unites the World showcase refugee talent, challenging stereotypes and fostering global solidarity.
Leveraging Digital Media: Initiatives like #WithRefugees (UNHCR) and Common Goal’s Anti-Racism Project counter misinformation by sharing real refugee success stories in sports.
Policy-Backed Inclusion in Sports Federations: The German Football Association (DFB) and UEFA have implemented policies requiring clubs to offer participation opportunities for refugees.

Policy Recommendations

Governments & Sports Federations should mandate anti-discrimination policies and provide funding for refugee inclusion in sports.
Social Media Platforms & Sports Media must counter misinformation by amplifying refugee success stories.
Local Communities & NGOs should implement mentorship programs pairing local youth with refugee athletes to foster understanding.

Call to Action: A Shared Responsibility for Inclusion

The power of sport extends beyond competition—it is a tool for social transformation, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange. To maximize its impact, we need multi-sector collaboration:

Governments must integrate sports into refugee inclusion policies.
Sports Federations & Clubs should institutionalize pathways for refugee participation.
Media & Tech Platforms must actively fight misinformation by highlighting positive narratives.
Local Communities should leverage sports programs to build social cohesion.

Conclusion: Winning Together for a More Inclusive Future

Sport is not just a pastime—it is a catalyst for unity and social change. Cities and communities worldwide must recognize and harness its power to build inclusive societies, dismantle prejudice, and ensure refugees are valued as teammates, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

The question is not whether sport can drive inclusion, but whether we are ready to champion its potential. What role will you play?

Key Links