Context
As part of the “RePower – Disability Awareness Action” Program, implemented by the Equal Society in collaboration with the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, an awareness-raising event was held at the ‘’Filoxenio’’, a shelter for asylum seeker families, part of the REACT (Refugee Assistance Collaboration Thessaloniki) – Temporary refugee accommodation and support program team of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
The program aims to develop educational activities, which involve role models in introducing sports for the first time as a means of highlighting and addressing the needs of refugees with (or without) disability.
Description
The action was attended by the host families, a family from the REACT program whose minor child has Down syndrome and the staff members of the facility. Four coaches from the Greek Paralympic team, two employees of the executive from the NGO Equal Society and two refugee athletes with physical disabilities participated.
Impact
During the action, some sports were presented, in which participated children and adults from the families. At the same time the two athletes talked about their experience from the refugee experience and their participation in the Greek Paralympic Team. The action was completed with the guided tour of the visitor to the areas of ’’Filoxenio’’.
