Education and Integration through Sport

Within the existing framework of voluntary organisations and cultural diversity the Department of Cultural Affairs is running a project which aim is to increase the participation in voluntary associations among children and young people. Especially among children and youth from ethnic minorities the effort will be strengthened, as their participation in the associations is very insufficient.

The survey of January 2003 reports that young girls from the third world countries in Aalborg are almost non-existing in the Danish sports associations. Failure to reverse this development will have severe consequences in the future.

The voluntary associations are strengthening popular education with activities and binding fellowships, thus improving the ability and desire to take responsibility for own lives and play an active and committed part in the society. Sport is a universal integration tool. A multicultural society and intercultural communication are highly complex entities. Sport, however, is based on common rules, interest and a familiar setting. An Indian chess player can without difficulties or cultural understanding play a game of chess against a player from Denmark. Sport in this sense makes people bilingual.

Working with youth and associations requires an extensive cooperation between schools, local authorities, parents/families, local associations, national federations, youth centre and the project manager. Since 1999 the City of Aalborg has made an extraordinary effort to promote education and integration through sport. Aalborg has a varied and wide range of associations (ca. 500) helping to provide citizens with opportunities for active participation in recreational activities of every kind.