“Together in Sport – Phase II” at Piraeus
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with METAdrasi and the Hellenic Olympic Committee initiates a partnership with the Municipality of Piraeus aimed at fostering integration by bringing together refugee children and their local peers through a diverse program of sports and cultural activities. Additionally, the MoU outlines plans for educating public and private sector employees on child protection, as well as organizing public events on pressing social issues, including climate change, safe internet practices, and gender-based violence.
Child protection trainings
“Together in Sport – Phase II” has launched its series of informational sessions on child protection, with a focus on refugee status and the specific needs of unaccompanied minors. Kicking off at the Municipality of Kallithea, the sessions involved the participation of employees from the Municipality’s day care centers. Trainers from METAdrasi and the General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons & Institutional Protection emphasized the protection of refugee children, providing participants with valuable knowledge for both their personal lives and professional roles.
One world… one ball!
More than 200 refugee children from the Refugee Accommodation Facilities of Lesvos together with their peers from the local community shared their love for basketball at the sports event “One world… one ball”! In cooperation with the Municipality of Mytilene and the Local Committee of the Hellenic Basketball Association, small basketball tournaments were organized, bringing the children even closer to each other, but also to the sport that scores… three-pointers in their hearts!
A less ordinary day at the Children’s Camp of Keratea
The young campers at the “Z’ Children’s Camp of Keratea” in the Municipality of Lavreotiki experienced a day packed with excitement and activity, participating in a variety of sports including acrobatics, laser run, kickboxing, fencing, handball, athletics, cricket, volleyball, and blind judo.
Guided by distinguished athletes and coaches, the children not only practiced their favorite sports but also discovered new ones, all while being introduced to the values of the Olympic ideal, such as fair play, cooperation, and respect. The day concluded with prize drawings and the awarding of commemorative medals to all participants.
The event was honored by the presence of the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Mrs. Sophia Zacharaki, the Mayor of Lavreotiki, Mr. Dimitris Loukas, and members of the municipal council.
The delegation of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees of Germany visits METAdrasi
METAdrasi had the honor of welcoming the Vice President of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees of Germany (BAMF) and their delegation to its headquarters. Following discussions on the progress and development of “Together in Sport – Phase II”, we visited the Olympiacos Summer Camp. This camp hosts summer activities for children from the Kallithea Educational Center and the Controlled Access Facility for Temporary Accommodation of Asylum Seekers in Corinth. Children from the Facility, alongside local children from Piraeus, were trained in sports such as handball, beach volleyball, tennis, as well as nautical sports, under the guidance of qualified coaches. This collaboration highlights once again the unifying power of sports in fostering socialization and skill development.
After a long, but joyful day distinguished athletes, members of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, METAdrasi, and BAMF had the pleasure of awarding medals and souvenirs to the children.
“Together in Sport – Phase II” at the National Aquatics Artistic Swimming Championship
Children with their parents from the Controlled Access Facility for Temporary Accommodation of Asylum Seekers in Elefsina and beneficiaries from shelters in Athens had the opportunity to enjoy the National Aquatics Artistic Swimming Championship. “Together in Sport – Phase II” joined with an enthusiastic audience in Vari, in one of the most spectacular, elegant and attractive sports, impressing with the technique and harmony of the movements, as well as the originality of the performances and choreographies.
Conclusion of swimming training sessions
The summer period of the regular sports training sessions of “Together in Sport – Phase II” ended with the last swimming lesson at Votsalakia beach in Piraeus. The young swimmers, proud to have learned to swim or to have developed their existing swimming skills, all enjoyed the sea together during the hot days of summer!
‘Surfing’ safely
Internet safety for children and young people aged 7 to 21 was the theme of the educational action organized on the initiative of “Together in Sport – Phase II” at the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens. Focusing on the prevention and management of risks related to new technologies, the action covered important issues that concern and affect parents, teachers, and children.
Activities – Trainings
An engaging artistic program was held at the Municipality of Kallithea’s summer camps. Over 180 children participated in workshops that included painting, drama play, and theatrical expression, filling their days with color, music, and joy!
Additionaly, in the framework of “Together in Sport – Phase II” workshops, volunteers of the organization “Yoga and sports for refugees” of Lesvos received the necessary training in order to initiate this aspiring project.
“Together in Sport – Phase II” is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027). With the support of the General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons & Institutional Protection of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
