Sporting chance for all

By Roya, Media Ambassador

This is a massive summer for sport, with the Euros, Tour de France, Wimbledon, the Olympics and more!

At KRAN, we recognise how important all sports are for young refugees and asylum seekers: they play a key role in their physical, emotional and social development.

As Osama, our Activities and Wellbeing Coordinator, says: “Sport is not only about improving the physical and mental health of young people, but it's also about skilling them and equipping them with resilience and patience so they can achieve whatever they wish.”

Sport provides a crucial outlet for physical activity, which is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Many young refugees and asylum seekers come from backgrounds where they have faced significant physical and emotional stress, and regular exercise through sport helps improve their physical fitness, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep patterns.

This is particularly important as they navigate the often challenging conditions of displacement and resettlement. Engaging in sport helps in building emotional resilience and improving mental health.

KRAN recognises this and runs weekly football sessions, along with specific events, including cricket, (loved in particular by our Afghan young people!), climbing, volleyball and dance.

Osama says: “The sense of achievement, discipline, and routine that sport provides can be incredibly beneficial for young people dealing with the uncertainties and trauma associated with being refugees or asylum seekers. Their emotional wellbeing can be enhanced by sport and we aim to continue providing these opportunities for the young people to develop themselves, as well as developing a community with their peers and beyond.”

A special mention goes to the IOC Refugee Olympic team, which comprises 36 athletes from 11 countries, representing 12 different sports. We wish them the best of luck and will be watching with excitment when the games start on Friday 26 July.