Peace and Sport, the politically-neutral organization aimed at promoting sport as a tool for peace was in Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan to launch the “Live Together” program in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the NGOs operating in the camp, and with the support of the Jordan Olympic Committee
In 2017 Peace and Sport became partner with the UNHCR, with the aim of increasing the quality and quantity of sporting activities in refugee camps around the world. Sport can play a healing role for refugee children, helping to address education as well as social and developmental needs.
In the framework of this agreement, Peace and Sport officially launched the pilot project “Live Together” in Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. This is the first field program bringing together the sport world (International Federations, National Federations and the Jordan National Olympic Committee) and the peace world (NGOs and the UNHCR).
Peace and Sport attended the launch with the International Table Tennis Federation, which has been a partner since 2009 – the first International Federation to participate in the program. Both entities met NGOs operating in Za’atari with the objective of starting Table Tennis programs within the camp. It was also an opportunity for Peace and Sport to prepare the ground for other International Federations to come.
Peace and Sport transmitted a solidarity message from the football club A. S. Monaco which donated a number of banners to improve sports facilities. These banners with images of the famous Stade Louis II will give women and girls additional covered facilities to play sport.
During the visit, Peace and Sport presented their 2016 Award winner “Korea Refugee Project” with a certificate as recognition for their efforts to promote peace through sport. This organization runs Taekwondo programs to improve the lives of young refugees in Za’atari.
For Iris Vlachoutsicos, Peace and Sport International Relations & Field Programs Director: “The strength of the “Live Together” program is that it bridges all stakeholders together. It is the first time that various International Federations will work side by side for social development. Also, NGOs and Federations will learn from each other’s expertise, and will work together to benefit refugees”.
Za’atari refugee camp opened in 2012 to host Syrians fleeing violence in their home country. It is progressively evolving into a permanent settlement and is the largest Syrian refugee camp. It has become one of the biggest “cities” of Jordan with more than 80,000 inhabitants. Thanks to the “Live Together” program led by Peace and Sport, International Federations will provide education seminars for coaches and training for children in cooperation with existing NGOs. National Federations will play an important role in this program, as well as the Jordan Olympic Committee.
