Sport and community as a means of integrating refugees

Wherever SPORTEGRATION offers courses, sports-loving refugees and locals meet and spend time together – for integration that succeeds.

The SPORTEGRATION Association's weekly plan boasts a huge variety of courses, from swimming, yoga, running, fitness boxing, and dancing to football, basketball, volleyball, Pilates, and Aikido. But also on the program are computer and language courses. These training courses take place in seven different cities and sometimes online as well.

SPORTEGRATION brings refugees, expats, and locals together; through participation in all these different sporting activities, they make friends and give each other support. Refugees can train cost-free, while locals pay a nominal donation.

Complementing the extensive sports program is a mentorship program for companies, allowing individual mentors to accompany refugees on a personal basis, supporting them if they have questions about life in Switzerland, for example, or challenges at school, or are searching for an apprenticeship.  They also help them learn the German language.

SPORTEGRATION is not just about physical fitness, but also about putting some structure into one’s everyday life, finding meaningful employment, and gaining a sense of belonging.  All these goals have a positive effect on psychological well-being and are essential for successful integration.

SPORTEGRATION's approach is based on a combination of four focal points: developing one’s potential, creating equal opportunities, promoting holistic health, and providing space for intercultural exchange.

With the support of the Vontobel Foundation, SPORTEGRATION is investing in the expansion of its offering and locations between 2024 and 2026, as well further professionalizing the organization.