SAILER – Sport as Alternative and Integrative Learning and Empowerment for Refugees

Summary: The SAILER project aims to promote social inclusion, well-being, and empowerment for refugees and asylum seekers in Italy, Greece, and Romania by using sport as a tool for non-formal education. Through the training of staff working in reception centers and the creation of local networks, the project fosters socialization, the development of soft skills, and access to new opportunities for migrants and vulnerable individuals. Over the course of 18 months, partners will develop and test inclusive sport-based training modules, organize exchanges of best practices, and promote the dissemination of results at both local and European levels.

Main Objectives:

• Promote social inclusion and physical well-being of refugees and asylum seekers through sport
• Train reception center staff in inclusive and non-formal sport methodologies
• Develop training modules and tools adaptable to various social contexts
• Strengthen soft skills of both staff and beneficiaries
• Raise awareness about professional and educational opportunities in the sport sector
• Build local and international networks for collaboration and knowledge exchange

Key Activities:

• Needs analysis and collection of best practices across partner countries
• Development and testing of inclusive sport-based training modules
• Workshops and training sessions for staff and stakeholders
• Inclusive sport activities with refugees and asylum seekers
• Creation of a digital platform and social media channels for dissemination
• Local and international events to present project outcomes

Participating Organizations:

Host Organization: UISP Territorial Committee Cirié Settimo Chivasso – Italy (Project coordination, training, dissemination)

Partner Organizations:

• MEET LAB – Italy (Social innovation, communication)
• Freedom Gate Greece – Greece (Migrant reception, social sport)
• AJSPT Suceava – Romania (Sport and inclusion, adult education)

Implementation Period:

September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027 (18 months)

Funding & Support:

Co-funded by the European Union Erasmus+ Programme KA210-ADU – Small Scale Partnership in Adult Education

Legacy & Impact:

SAILER aims to generate lasting impact at individual, organizational, and territorial levels:

• Personal growth: development of intercultural, relational, and sport-related skills for staff and beneficiaries
• Organizational empowerment: strengthening the capacity of partner organizations to design and implement inclusive activities
• European value: exchange of best practices and creation of transnational networks for a more cohesive and inclusive society
• Dissemination: results and tools will be shared via a web platform, social media, events, and multilingual materials to support replication