SPORTUNITY - MAT SPORT AM HÄERZ
WHAT WE DO
At Sportunity, we combine sport, education, and cultural exchange to create a more inclusive and connected community.
- Weekly sports trainings
for refugeesFor over a decade, Sportunity has helped refugees in Luxembourg access regular sports practice.
We bring sport directly to refugee shelters and organise free classes in welcoming, easily accessible locations across the country.
These programs remain at the heart of what we do — creating safe spaces for newcomers to connect, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through teamwork and mutual respect. - Building connections
that matterOur programmes also connect local volunteers with refugees, building meaningful human connections that enrich both sides.
Acting individually or through corporate initiatives, volunteers serve as guides for newcomers — introducing them to sports, culture, and community life, while sharing experiences and learning from one another along the way. We keep experimenting with new formats that spark these encounters, because the real magic happens when people come together and share the joy of sport. - Belonging through
sportWe connect our participants to major community sports events — as runners or as volunteers — to help them feel part of something bigger.
Celebrating among thousands, sharing the same energy, and showcasing the skills built through regular training brings a strong sense of belonging and pride to both adults and children.
And for those who don’t or can’t run, volunteering offers the same excitement and purpose, proving that inclusion goes far beyond participation on the track. - Corporate impact
programsWe partner with companies that want to make a difference through sport and community engagement.
Employee volunteering, joint events, and sponsorships help create meaningful connections between staff and programme participants while promoting inclusion and wellbeing.
Through these partnerships, corporate teams not only support our mission but experience firsthand how sport can unite people from all walks of life.
GreenPlay
Building on our extensive experience in inclusive sports programs and youth education, this initiative introduces a sustainability perspective to help shape responsible citizens for the future. The 18-month project, which began in autumn 2024, transforms environmental awareness into an engaging experience for both young people and adults. Participants learn about biodiversity, recycling, and Luxembourg's agricultural traditions, all while staying active and fostering connections. It’s a unique blend of experiences that only Sportunity can bring together!
Talent Trek Camp
Initially launched as a one-time scheme, Talent Trek Camp has become our staple programme.
Held during school holidays, it provides children from displaced families with an engaging
learning environment, helping them feel more at home in Luxembourg.
Each day at the camp blends sports, hands-on learning, and cultural exploration,
allowing participants to stay active, make new friends, and discover their unique talents.
Held during school holidays, it provides children from displaced families with an engaging
learning environment, helping them feel more at home in Luxembourg.
Each day at the camp blends sports, hands-on learning, and cultural exploration,
allowing participants to stay active, make new friends, and discover their unique talents.
Match for Peace – Sardinia
For the first time, our activities extended beyond Luxembourg’s borders. We brought a team of Ukrainian refugee children, who regularly train with Sportunity, to the Torneo Mondiale Manlio Selis – Social Goal for Peace youth football tournament. There, they joined their peers for a few days of football and friendship. The highlight of the event was the friendly match played between our Ukrainian team and a joint team of players from Israel and Palestine.
Watching young players from countries affected by conflict come together for a match of hope and peace was a powerful and emotional moment, showcasing how sport doesn’t divide, but unites.
Watching young players from countries affected by conflict come together for a match of hope and peace was a powerful and emotional moment, showcasing how sport doesn’t divide, but unites.
Partners: Social Goal.
Virtual Fitness Challenge
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we launched a five-week Virtual Fitness Challenge to help residents of refugee shelters stay connected and active. Amid social restrictions, the Challenge ensured the continuity of sports practice, providing participants with structure, motivation, and a sense of community. It encouraged physical activity during isolation and recognized the most dedicated participants for their commitment and effort.
Sport Fellows
We partnered with municipal administrations on this project to explore innovative, interactive formats for social integration in multicultural societies. The Eco Run in Dudelange blended sports with environmental awareness, fostering connections across different social groups and cultures. The Fit, Fun & Friends Fair in Strassen focused on promoting sports and physical wellness, offering discovery activities and masterclasses in a variety of sports disciplines.
The project was funded by the Ministry of Family, Integration, and the Greater Region
under the National Action Plan “Integration” (PAN-2019)
under the National Action Plan “Integration” (PAN-2019)
Merde Alors!
The campaign turned a powerful statement from Luxembourg’s legendary Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean Asselborn, into a symbol of diversity and inclusion. What started as a catchy phrase evolved into a movement that united people and redefined the conversation around solidarity. Sportunity was selected as the campaign’s charity partner, with the funds raised through branded merchandise sales directed towards supporting sports programs for refugees.
Partners: Asport and the Merde Alors! campaign.
Local Buddies
A community-driven initiative, this programme paired locals and refugees as buddies for joint sports practice. Through thoughtful matchmaking and curated activities, newcomers had the opportunity to discover their new environment through sport and build social ties that extended well beyond the playing field.
The project was supported by Luxembourg’s National Youth Service and Fondation Été, with
organizational backing from the Luxembourg chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI).
organizational backing from the Luxembourg chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI).
Integration Through Sport
Launched as an emergency response to the migration crisis in Europe, this three-year programme marked the beginning of our weekly training sessions for refugees. Offering a variety of sports disciplines across multiple locations nationwide, our classes catered to different age groups and included sessions led by coaches with refugee backgrounds. In total, we delivered over 1,000 hours of high-quality, free training to newcomers, uniting them through one shared language: the language of sport.
The project was made possible with the generous support of the Oeuvre Nationale
de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte (call for projects Mateneen)
and the Service National de la Jeunesse.
de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte (call for projects Mateneen)
and the Service National de la Jeunesse.
Sporty Santas
This holiday initiative combined sports and festive activities to bring the spirit of the season to refugee children in shelters. From interactive games to personalized sports gifts, Sporty Santas created a joyful celebration filled with movement, laughter, and shared experiences, making the holiday season brighter for those in need.
Meet an Athlete
Mentorship movement connecting youth with world-class athletes, who serve as role models offering inspiration, motivation, and valuable life lessons through sports. Three renowned athletes participated in the programme: a boxing world champion Hassan N’Dam, an Olympic sprinter Debbie Ferguson McKenzie and another Olympian,
a long-distance runner Yonas Kinde.
a long-distance runner Yonas Kinde.
Start
Sportunity was founded in 2013 with the vision of using sport as a powerful tool for social change. Since then, we have been leading the way in integrating refugees through sport in Luxembourg, helping those in need rediscover meaning and hope. By bringing people from different backgrounds together through joint sports activities, we are creating a healthier, more supportive, and more connected society.
MAT SPORT AM HÄERZ
