United through sports

ongoing

The United through Sport (UniTos) Project aims to foster social inclusion, diversity, and reconciliation in the Western Balkans by using traditional sports as a tool for integration. The initiative is designed to engage children and youth (ages 8–20), both with and without disabilities, from Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, promoting equal participation, intercultural dialogue, and cooperation. By leveraging heritage sports—bocce (Croatia), skiing (Slovenia), stone-throwing (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and traditional wrestling (Serbia)—the project seeks to revive cultural traditions while breaking down social barriers. Through joint training sessions, sports camps, and educational workshops, participants will develop teamwork, communication, and mutual trust, contributing to long-term social cohesion. A key focus is on inclusive sports, adapting traditional games for children with disabilities to ensure accessibility for all. The project will also launch a web platform to share knowledge, training materials, and best practices, ensuring a sustainable impact. The initiative aligns with Erasmus+ Sport priorities, particularly inclusion and diversity, by offering marginalized groups equal opportunities and fostering cross-border cooperation. By promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and social integration, UniTos contributes to reconciliation efforts in the post-conflict Western Balkans, reinforcing the EU’s vision of a united and inclusive society.