Icehearts in Ragusa: The Uisp Project Is Rooted in School, Sport, and Community

Across Italy, Icehearts Europe is taking shape, promoting an innovative educational model based on sport, mentoring, and teamwork. This project, inspired by the Finnish model and coordinated at a European level by ISCA (International Sport and Culture Association), aims to build welcoming and supportive communities through sport, involving 400 children in 12 Uisp Committees throughout Italy.

Uisp Iblei is one of the main Committees, with activities already underway at the F. Traina Comprehensive Institutein Vittoria, in the province of Ragusa. Here, a group of 13 primary school children take part in three-hour meetings twice a week, with instructors and mentors. “In this first phase, we are working on listening and getting to know each other, trying to understand their preferences and tackling any problems together,” says Gabriella Elia, president of Uisp Iblei and coordinator of the project activities. “The kids are very lively. We decided not to organize after-school activities but to focus on activities that not only stimulate them but also strengthen the group, creating a climate of participation.”

For now, the activities are held indoors, but when the weather improves, we'll also take advantage of the outdoor space, with visits to interactive museums, farms, and educational gardens, where the children can get their hands dirty and try out new things. Developing the ability to play together is, in fact, one of the fundamental objectives of the project. The activities, which range from ball games to creative workshops, are designed to stimulate curiosity, involvement, and team spirit through relay mechanisms and reciprocal bonds. “The idea of being together is often lacking, and this is also reflected in sports,” observes Anna Elia, Icehearts mentor for the Uisp Iblei Committee.

The dynamics within the group are constantly evolving. “The boys, who used to be too competitive, are now starting to cheer for their teammates and support each other in team games,” says Anna, emphasizing that the project is not just about sports but also about building meaningful relationships. Even the girls, who initially tended to isolate themselves, have found a safe space in the group.“One day, after a moment of conflict between two girls that we resolved together, they hugged me for the first time. It was a gesture that marked an important change in our relationship and also in theirs, who are now much more united,” she recalls with emotion.

Funded by the European program EU4H-2022, Icehearts Europe is active in eight countries, including Finland, Spain, and Denmark. Uisp, with its territorial network and long experience in promoting sport for everyone, is the beating heart of this initiative in Italy—a challenge to guarantee every child a safe environment in which to grow, face daily challenges, and become an active part of a community. (Lorenzo Boffa)

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them