Sport

‘United in Sport’ Project: Helping Your Child Build Friendships Through Sport

Are you a parent and a refugee/temporary protection (TP) holder in Slovakia? Are you looking for a safe and friendly way for your children to stay active, make friends, and feel part of the community?

United in Sport gives your child an opportunity to feel included, active, and confident. This project supports refugee children and youth through regular sport activities in local schools and sports clubs across Slovakia. By playing together, refugee and local children can build friendships, develop important life skills, and feel a stronger sense of their connection to school and the community.

This project is organized by UNHCR in cooperation with the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee, the NGO People in Peril, and selected local schools across Slovakia. The project is supported by LIV Golf as part of its global partnership with UNHCR.

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Why sport?

Sport is much more than just a game. It helps children:

• Feel included and welcomed in their school and community
• Make new friends with Slovak and refugee children
• Stay healthy and active
• Gain confidence and teamwork skills
• Reduce stress and trauma through physical activity
• Have fun!

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What activities are available?

✅ Regular after-school sport activities in selected primary and secondary schools – safe, free, and inclusive for all children.

✅ Opportunities to join local sports clubs, such as football, athletics, gymnastics, hockey, golf and more, depending on what is available in each region.

All activities are supervised by trained coaches and teachers who understand the needs of both refugee and local children. Your child does not need to speak Slovak fluently to participate!

 While school-based activities are generally free of charge, participation in club-based activities may require a financial contribution from families (amounts may vary depending on the sport and the location). Where possible, support will be prioritised for vulnerable refugee families, especially those experiencing financial hardship.

The regional coordinators (listed below) will be happy to provide more detailed information.

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Where are the activities available?

We are working with selected schools in each region of Slovakia. Find your region below to see where your child can participate and who you can contact:

Bratislava Region

Trnava Region

Banská Bystrica Region

🧍 Regional coordinators: Julián Krull ([email protected]), Ján Tomko ([email protected])
🧍 National coordinator: Matej Gimera ([email protected])
🏫 School: ZŠ Bakossova 5, Banská Bystrica

Žilina Region

🧍 Regional coordinators (Martin): Elena Šmidtová ([email protected]) , Edita Miartušová ([email protected])
🧍 National coordinator: Matej Gimera ([email protected])
🏫 School: ZŠ s MŠ J. V. Dolinského 2, Martin, ZŠ s MŠ Hurbanova 27, Martin

Prešov Region

🧍 Regional coordinators: Lenka Hnidková ([email protected]), Milan Semivan ([email protected])
🧍 National coordinator: Matej Gimera ([email protected])
🏫 School: Súkromná stredná odborná škola hoteliérstva a gastronómie Mladosť, Pod Kalváriou 36, Prešov

Košice Region

🧍 Regional coordinators: Daniel Roško ([email protected]), Stela Safková ([email protected])
🧍 National coordinator: Matej Gimera ([email protected])
🏫 School: ZŠ Tomášikova 31, Košice, Stredná športová škola, Tr. SNP 104, Košice

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Want to Get Started?

We are happy to welcome your child to our sport activities. For more information about the project, and to find out what options are available in your area, please contact Matej Gimera, national project coordinator (NGO People in Peril): [email protected]