Mykola Hirni, Director of the Ukrainian Office of PanteonX Charitable Foundation 

Children's lives have changed. Being displaced into new conditions has been a challenge for their mental and physical health. For many children, sports are not only a way to stay physically active, but also a tool for psychological recovery. Sports activities help to overcome stress, restore inner balance and adapt to a new city or country.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of the middle of 2024, over 120 million people worldwide had been forced to leave their homes. A significant proportion of them are young people. The Global Compact on Refugees emphasizes the need to expand social initiatives to support displaced persons. Sports serve as a key tool in this process. Sports programs promote social integration, intercultural dialogue and reduce discrimination.

Integration and support of displaced children

Ukraine is one of the countries most affected by mass displacement. According to UNICEF, over 1.5 million children became refugees since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, forced to seek shelter abroad. Many children remained in Ukraine, but had to relocate due to active hostilities. As of April 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported approximately 2.97 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine, nearly a third of whom are children.

Sports as a tool for supporting displaced communities are recognized internationally. The United Nations and the European Commission actively promote initiatives that use sport for the social integration of refugees and migrants.

In the context of the global forced displacement crisis, investment in sports programs is becoming essential. By supporting such initiatives, we can help children displaced by war regain their childhood and build a brighter future.

For refugee children, sports are not just a game, but a path to a new life. In addition to physical activity, the younger generation receives mentorship, sees positive role models and develops skills necessary for further development. Participation in sports activities contributes to:

• improving physical and mental well-being;
• increasing self-confidence;
• developing social skills;
• enhancing social cohesion.

The path to recovery for displaced children is not only through therapy or social programs. Sports have a powerful therapeutic effect. A football match, swimming session, martial arts training or adaptive sports for children with disabilities – all these activities help them regain confidence, overcome stress and develop self-esteem. Sports bring children together from different cultural and social backgrounds, breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion by improving communication between refugees and local residents. Children who have fled war zones may have difficulty integrating into new schools and communities. Sports provide a common language that does not require words, but speaks through movement, teamwork and shared goals.

Sports programs create a safe and structured environment where children can set goals, reconnect with others and feel part of a community. They promote the development of endurance, teamwork and self-discipline, which are important for psycho-emotional renewal. Studies confirm that participation in structured sports programs helps children overcome social barriers and restore a sense of normalcy, creating healthier and more sustainable relationships with others.

Inclusive sports initiatives

Ukraine needs to develop long-term sports initiatives that prioritize inclusivity. This requires government support, international partnerships and local community involvement. At the PanteonX Charitable Foundation, we plan to expand access to sports for displaced children in Ukraine and Spain: creating partnerships with sports federations and adapting infrastructure for people with disabilities. In Spain, in particular the Foundation collaborates with local clubs, municipalities and international organizations, holding adaptation events for children who fled war. These activities create a space for friendship, emotional expression and renewal for Ukrainian children abroad. In Ukraine, we aim to implement inclusive sports programs for displaced children, allowing them not only to regain physical fitness, but also to find new social connections. By investing in inclusive sports programs today, we are shaping a healthy and strong generation capable of leading Ukraine forward, overcoming trauma and contributing to the sustainable development of our country.