From 2016 to today: The journey of SPORTEGRATION

On August 11, 2016, our story began with our very first training session at Silo Löwenbräu in Zurich. Back then, SPORTEGRATION did not yet exist as an official association. But one thing was already there: an idea. The idea of bringing people together through sport, regardless of their background, and creating a space where connections, friendships and integration could flourish.

Ten years later, that idea has grown into a diverse and vibrant community. Through free sports activities, dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships and countless shared experiences, we have continued to create new opportunities, step by step. And throughout this journey, one belief has remained unchanged: sport brings people together.

In 2017, we reached our first major milestone. SPORTEGRATION participated in the Zurich Silvesterlauf for the first time as an official association. What started as a single running event soon became a tradition that continues to bring our community together today.

In 2018, we began our collaboration with the Swiss sportswear company On AG. What started with shared running experiences developed over the years into a valuable partnership, including through the social impact program "Right To Run". At the same time, we organised our first volunteer events, giving our dedicated supporters the opportunity to connect beyond regular training sessions and strengthen the bonds within our community.

In 2019, another sporting highlight followed with our first participation in the Greifenseelauf. Working towards a shared goal, overcoming challenges and celebrating achievements together became an essential part of our story.

As our programs continued to evolve, it became increasingly clear that integration goes far beyond the sports field. Our Mentorship Program opened up new opportunities to support people with refugee backgrounds in navigating everyday challenges. Whether finding professional direction, searching for housing or building social connections, personal relationships became another important pillar of our integration work.

Special events also shaped these years. In 2021, Kaya Yanar joined one of our outdoor training sessions and later took on various sporting and playful challenges during the livestream charity event "Alle gegen Kaya".

In 2022, we had the opportunity to present SPORTEGRATION at the Laureus event at the Kongresshaus Zurich in front of approximately 600 guests from the worlds of sport, business, politics and entertainment. It was a special moment that brought our mission into the spotlight. That same year, an internal basketball tournament featuring Kaya Yanar, Luuk and Plentii brought our community together for another unforgettable sporting experience.

One of the highlights of 2023 was the Laureus Sports Day. Our participants had the unique opportunity to train alongside well known Swiss sports personalities. Nicola Spirig, Christian Stucki, Stéphane Chapuisat and Lara Dickenmann shared their experiences and introduced our community to different sports.

Our partnership with On AG also continued to grow. As part of "Right To Run", the story of our long standing participant Biniam Debesay was shared with a wider audience. It was a moving moment that highlighted the remarkable personal stories within our community and the importance of giving these stories a platform.

2024 was a year of remarkable growth for SPORTEGRATION. By expanding our activities into Basel-Landschaft, increasing our courses from 53 to 71 and growing our range of sports from 21 to 30, we were able to reach even more people. More than 200 volunteers dedicated their time and energy to our mission, making this development possible.

One extraordinary highlight was Project26. Over 26 days, Rob and Leo ran 26 kilometres every day across all 26 cantons of Switzerland to raise funds for SPORTEGRATION. Members of our community joined them along different stages, turning the project into a powerful symbol of solidarity and togetherness.

At the same time, we further developed our Mentorship Program in collaboration with companies such as UBS and ebi-pharm. These partnerships allowed us to create additional opportunities to support people with refugee backgrounds in their personal and professional integration.

Over the past ten years, not only has our community grown, but so has our understanding of the role sport can play in people's lives. While social integration was our primary focus in the beginning, our approach has continuously evolved. Today, we see sport not only as a way to bring people together, but also as an important contributor to physical and mental health.

For people with refugee backgrounds in particular, regular physical activity, social connections and a supportive community can make a meaningful difference. Sport can help reduce stress, build self-confidence and improve overall well-being. At the same time, our free sports programs provide easy and accessible opportunities to stay active and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Building on this development, we aim to place an even stronger emphasis on health promotion in the years ahead. Our goal remains unchanged: to give people, regardless of their background, the opportunity to grow, become part of a community and sustainably improve their quality of life.

What began as an initiative focused on social integration has grown into an organisation that connects social inclusion with health and well-being. Because we believe that physical well-being, mental health and social participation are closely connected.

Our story is also a story of collaboration. Together with partners such as Laureus Switzerland, On, UBS, ebi-pharm and GC Zurich, we have created unique experiences and new opportunities over the years.

Whether running together at a charity run through Zurich, taking part in a football training session with GC player Veron Lupi, visiting Letzigrund Stadium or joining our new "Train with a Pro" format, these experiences demonstrate how sport brings people together on equal terms, regardless of their background or everyday circumstances.

Through "Train with a Pro", members of our community had the opportunity to train alongside athletes such as Daniela Ryf, Jan van Berkel and Emma Pooley. These sessions were not just about athletic performance, but above all about personal connections and shared experiences.

Behind every milestone are people. Participants who have the courage to try something new. Volunteers who dedicate their time and energy. Partners who believe in our vision. And individuals who have discovered new friendships, perspectives and opportunities through SPORTEGRATION.

What started ten years ago with a small group has become much more than a sports program. SPORTEGRATION is a place for connection, mutual learning and shared commitment. At the same time, we continue to evolve, strengthening not only social integration but also the long-term health and well-being of our community.

Our tenth anniversary is therefore not just an opportunity to look back. It is also a moment to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. THANK YOU ALL! 💙

Because our greatest achievements cannot simply be measured in numbers, courses or kilometres run. They are reflected in the friendships, encounters and stories that have emerged over the past ten years.

We look forward to many more years filled with movement, togetherness, health and new opportunities.

Together we are better! 💙

Would you like to volunteer, get active with us or support our mission? Explore our programs and become part of the SPORTEGRATION community!