UNHCR and LIV Golf launch “United in Sport” project to empower refugee children through sport

On 20 June, on the occasion of World Refugee Day and Olympic Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and global partner LIV Golf, officially launched a new project ‘United in Sport’, in collaboration with the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee. It is a groundbreaking three-year project aimed at improving the lives of refugee children and youth through inclusive sport activities, education and community engagement, as well as positively impacting the communities hosting them.

‘United in Sport’ was launched during an event in Primary School Kalinčiakova, Bratislava, in the presence of Ivana Šufliarska Libiaková, State Secretary for Sport from The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Anton Siekel, President of Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee, local partners and members of the refugee and local communities. Through regular sport and play-based activities, including golf-inspired activities, and events in schools and sports clubs, refugee children and youth will benefit from an enabling environment that fosters friendships, reduces dropout rates, and promotes inclusion through partnerships with key stakeholders. Implemented in eight regions in Slovakia, the project is expected to directly benefit more than 400 children and youth, with nearly 4,000 other community members benefitting from the activities between 2024 - 2027.

“Today, we mark World Refugee Day. This is a moment to honor the courage and strength of refugees across the globe and show our solidarity with people forced to flee. I am proud to launch this critical “United in Sport” project – it will be a ray of hope for young refugees in Slovakia,” said Danijela Popovic-Efendic, UNHCR’s Head of Office in Slovakia. “Sport has the power to bridge communities, foster team spirit and nurture positive well-being, offering children forced to flee a chance not only to heal, but to rebuild their lives and thrive.”

The project is being implemented by UNHCR and the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee, the local non-governmental organization People in Peril, selected regional coordinators from local Olympic clubs, and participating schools across all eight regions of Slovakia. The support of the Slovak authorities at central and municipal level is also critical for the sustainability and local ownership of the project. Local authorities identify vulnerable refugee families and children who will benefit from some of the sports activities.

About the partnership

In October 2024, UNHCR announces its first-ever golf partnership in a three-year agreement with LIV Golf to deliver innovative sport-for-protection programmes for refugees and internally displaced people and their host communities.

Through this partnership, LIV Golf has committed $10 million to increase access to sport and education for up to 1 million forcibly displaced people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, as well as introduce golf and play-based activities focused on improving the quality of life for those who are most at risk.

Sport for protection projects help foster social inclusion and cohesion, create safe spaces, and improve the well-being and health of refugees and host communities. Activities from this partnership with LIV Golf will take place in community centres, schools, camps and sports clubs, making sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities.

About UNHCR

UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to protecting people forced to flee because of conflict, violence or persecution, protecting rights and building better futures. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.