Comitato Territoriale

Cirie Settimo Chivasso

IRIS Project

Project Name: IRIS – International Roma Integration through Sport

Summary: IRIS is a European initiative aiming to combat anti-Roma stereotypes through inclusive sport-based activities. By leveraging the power of games, tournaments, and intercultural workshops, the project fosters understanding between Roma and non-Roma children aged 10–18 in areas with high Roma population density. The programme targets institutional stakeholders and the broader public to counter discrimination and build long-term social cohesion.

Main Objectives:

  • Counteract traditional and emerging stereotypes about Roma people
  • Promote mutual understanding between Roma and non-Roma children through sport
  • Reduce school drop-out rates among Roma children by fostering inclusive environments
  • Raise awareness among parents, educators, media and local governments
  • Use sport as a gateway to integration, participation, and self-confidence

Target Groups:

  • Roma and non-Roma children aged 10–18
  • NGOs, sport/non-sport associations, parents’ associations, Roma organizations
  • Local administrations, ministries, child protection agencies, educational institutions
  • Media and general public (via media campaigns and promotional material)

Key Activities & Timeline:

  • Feb 2011: Kick-off meeting in Turin, Italy
  • Jun 2011 – Jan 2012: Multiple project modules implemented in Plovdiv (BG), Suceava & Ilfov (RO), Belogradchik & Haskovo (BG)
    • Seminars on prejudice and stereotypes
    • Sport tournaments: football, rugby-tag, archery, climbing, hiking
    • Ecotourism and intercultural role-play activities
    • Integration workshops on communication and teamwork
  • Jun 2012: Final event in Turin, Italy with partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Turkey and Denmark
  • Nov 2012: Final conference and press meeting in Bucharest, Romania

Project Partners:

  • UISP Comitato Territoriale Ciriè Settimo Chivasso – Lead partner
  • Courage Foundation – Youth empowerment and project support
  • Sport for All Association – Ilfov & Suceava Counties – Local activities and youth engagement
  • ISCA – International Sport and Culture Association – Transnational dissemination and institutional expertise

Funding & Support:

  • Likely supported through EU integration and inclusion programmes (not explicitly stated)
  • Local government and civil society contributions to events and training

Legacy & Impact: IRIS demonstrated that sport can be a powerful tool to dismantle cultural barriers and promote respectful, playful coexistence. By directly engaging Roma and non-Roma children in fun, structured activities, and involving educators, NGOs, and local authorities, the project fostered a framework for intercultural dialogue, empathy, and equal citizenship.

For more information on the IRIS project click HERE