Comitato Territoriale

Cirie Settimo Chivasso

ARIES Project

-Against Racism In Europe throug Sport-

Project Name: ARIES – Against Racism in Europe through Sport

Summary ARIES is a transnational initiative co-funded by the European Union’s Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme, aiming to fight racism and promote tolerance through grassroots sport. Coordinated by UISP Ciriè Settimo Chivasso, the project engaged young people—particularly those at risk of social exclusion—in inclusive sports activities, intercultural workshops, and community events across Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, and Romania. ARIES built bridges among diverse communities, promoted positive values through sport, and produced multimedia materials to raise awareness at both local and European levels.

Main Objectives

  • Prevent and reduce racism and discrimination among youth through sport-based education
  • Promote tolerance, respect, and diversity among disadvantaged youth groups
  • Raise awareness within local communities and European institutions on inclusive sport practices
  • Strengthen civil society networks working on youth empowerment and anti-discrimination
  • Create transferable educational materials for replication across Europe

Target Groups

  • Children and youth at risk of exclusion (Roma, migrants, orphans, disabled)
  • Schools, institutes, and grassroots sport associations
  • Local communities and municipalities
  • NGOs and youth service providers

Key Activities

  • Selection and engagement of target schools in 4 countries
  • Local workshops on anti-racism and inclusion in Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria
  • Multinational sport tournaments promoting intercultural dialogue
  • Establishment of the ARIES fan club and community network
  • Dissemination of results through events, social media, brochures, CD-ROMs, and a dedicated website
  • Collaboration with local media outlets for interviews and televised event coverage
  • Ongoing reporting and stakeholder outreach throughout the project timeline

Project Partners

  • UISP Ciriè Settimo Chivasso (Italy) – Coordinator
  • Courage Foundation (Bulgaria)
  • Ecologie Sport Tourisme Association (Romania)
  • Bulgarian Austrian Cultural Association of Graz (Austria)
  • Gazi University (Turkey) – Associate Partner

Implementation Period

  • Start date: 1 January 2009
  • End date: 30 June 2010
  • Activities took place across five countries with local adaptations and cross-border exchanges

Funding & Support

  • Co-funded by the European Commission’s Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme
  • Support from local media, schools, municipalities, and civil society organizations
  • All deliverables branded with official EU acknowledgement

Legacy & Impact ARIES successfully used sport as a vehicle to engage youth in discussions around racism and inclusion, reaching hundreds of children, educators, and community members. Through its tournaments, workshops, digital materials and intercultural events, the project fostered solidarity and active citizenship. Its methods remain relevant for communities seeking to address discrimination through positive, participatory actions.

For more information about the project, click HERE for Italian website