The camps of Albania and Macedonia now count around 800,000 refugees, approximately 300,000 of which are under 16 year- old youngsters. The objective of this operation is to offer them the right to play and at the same time helping them to forget what they have lived and endured. More than 2500 balls and about 500 nets have been distributed in refugee camps across the world, in Africa, Central America, the Balkans and Central Asia. However, children and young adults need more than these basics. Organised sports, even if elementary, has too often been missing.
Sports helps re-build broken lives, augmenting the healing process.
With budgets usually restricted to core life needs, money for sports equipment and preparing playing fields has not been available. The FIVB is involved with a program that has now delivered balls and nets to some 15 refugee camps in Africa, Central America, the Balkans and Central Asia. A wonderful and effective complement to the sports equipment is their financing of the local country volleyball association to bring coaches and organisers to the camp areas. When possible, games include boys and girls from the host communities as well as the refugees. It's easy to learn.