University of Sarajevo: Sports against violence and exclusion

On 28 September 2020, the final activity of the Erasmus+ sport project entitled “Sport against violence and exclusion – SAVE”, organized by the University of Sarajevo, was held.

“Sports against violence and exclusion” is a project co-financed by the European Union, implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the University of Sarajevo in cooperation with the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education UNSA. The realization of the project started on 1 January 2019, and so far numerous project activities have been realized, including research of the current situation and needs regarding sports in the fight against violence and exclusion, SAVE online platform for the promotion of sports clubs, SAVE educational pilot training and development of the “Sports against violence and exclusion – SAVE” Manual.

Sport as a social phenomenon is one of the most effective tools in the fight against violence. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, little attention is paid to this aspect of sport, and this project is an excellent basis for further research and activities to improve sport as a tool in the fight against violence and exclusion.

At the final Multiplier SAVE event, participants had the opportunity to listen to lectures by renowned University of Sarajevo professors and SAVE project team members, and the appropriate certificates awarding was organized, as a part of the completed SAVE education. Also, all students received the Handbook “Sports against violence and exclusion – SAVE” in order to make the SAVE project self-sustainable.

The main purpose of the Handbook “Sports against Violence and Exclusion – SAVE” is to offer knowledge and practical examples of how coaches recognize violent behavior, and that which leads to exclusive behavior, among their athletes and to use different strategies designed to promote pro-social behavior and reduce violent behavior in sports, said Prof. Dr. Dženana Husremović, University of Sarajevo Vice-Rector and a SAVE project team member.