Tiranathlon 2022: UNHCR promotes social inclusion of refugees

The UNHCR Office in Albania has supported over the past years local sports activities to promote social inclusion of refugees, increase support and solidarity with refugees, and enhance UNHCR’s advocacy for refugee integration. UNHCR’s engagement stems from the principle that sports, particularly endurance sports, offer a positive space to foster inclusiveness. Further, the cause of refugees is relatable to amateur athletes making significant efforts to achieve sports goals and may prompt expressions of solidarity. The participation of refugees and asylum seekers in sports events has been welcomed by all and has shown that inclusion is as simple as enjoying activities together. Some UNHCR staff in Albania, including the Representative, have participated in the events over the years. The involvement of all staff in various roles has also fostered a sense of camaraderie in the office. Partners have been actively involved as well.

In the spirit of “Everyone has the right to seek safety" a Team Refugees (composed of three refugees from Afghanistan) participated in the Tiranathlon 2022, in the second edition of the Tiranathlon. The event was held under the banner of #WithRefugees on 29th  May and was organized by the Tirana Municipality and the Embassy of Greece. UNHCR provided sets composed of bags, t-shirts, and sun caps to all participants.

A key consideration has been to approach sports endurance from the perspective of the amateur athletes, hence offering not only a sense of purpose, but a community space and quality services, including top-quality t-shirts, biking bags and caps, all of which provided the cause of refugees and asylum seekers with a high visibility throughout the years such as with Run4Refugees (2018), 2 Billion Kilometres to Safety (2019) and #WithRefugees (2021) and figuring prominently in social media through videos and photos of the event.  

The financial investment against the return (visibility of the refugee cause and advocacy conducted) has been proven beneficial. The sports activities contributed substantially to enhance social media presence and outreach of UNHCR in Albania, notably among public which may not normally follow refugee issues. This target audience in Albania relates with the sports events that are taking place close to them and have direct relation with their interests.