European Social Inclusion Games 2018

The purpose of establishing an international collaboration around organizing European-wide Social Inclusion Games is to propagate the particular way of offering sports to socially marginalized people. This sports movement has started in Denmark and the Netherlands and proved to be a highly successful instrument for the rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of socially marginalized people.Marginalization often occurs when an individual experiences a complex set of social problems which in and of itself is an impediment for a healthy, meaningful and prosperous life. The general picture on one of the most important indicators of the exclusion of socially marginalized people across Europe, the at-risk-of-poverty rate, informs us that in the EU, 16% citizens – that is 79 million – were at-risk-of-poverty in 2007. Research conducted by SIGN shows that approximately 64% of the socially marginalized population in Europe has too much weight over 47% on national average. Moreover, around 30% were suffering from obesity, over 10% obesity on a national scale. By participating in the SIG2018, the target groups were introduced to sports as a mean for rehabilitation. This will lead to equal access to sports for all and an enhanced level of social inclusion across the participating regions/countries.The implemented project has accomplished the objectives that were initially stated in the proposal of EU grant application, both tangible and intangible. Firstly achieved by bringing together Social Inclusion Professionals, staff and volunteers of the sending organisations at a national/local level. And secondly for successfully establishing an international collaboration around organising European-wide Social Inclusion Games is to propagate the particular way of offering sports to socially marginalized people. After the successful completion of the 2018 Social Inclusion games, the sports movement has stretched to Germany, who hope to host the 2020 Social Inclusion Games in Berlin. Social Care Providers and their clients received an invitation to the SIG in the Enschede in the Netherlands alongside travel reimbursement and support to encourage their clients to participate. All the planned activities were implemented. In fact, with overwhelming support from the local community, the programmed blossomed and 18 more activities were offered that originally planned. The week-long programme comprised of 54 different sport and creative activities, 6 Side events for professionals and policymakers, medical care, communal area for eating and social activities, a medal podium and stage, camping ground and facilities. Most importantly a safe space where everyone was made to feel welcome to participate. The project was successful and met the predefined expectations. All target groups have reported on positive impact and that general awareness and progress and the message of Sport as a means for rehabilitation have spread across Europe. The SIG has energised a lot of people including participants and professionals working with socially vulnerable target groups. Many of them have set intentions ­- and already have brought their intentions into practice -, to participate in sports more frequently, or to advocate and promote sports and physical activities among the target groups. Sports matters and can be very meaningful for the inclusion of socially vulnerable people.