ISCA Awards 2021: IRTS

Physical activity and sport for all is a fundamental right of every human being; and sport can be an effective tool for the inclusion and integration of refugees in their host communities. We call this Integration of Refugees through Sport (IRTS), and we have built an international platform to enhance capacities, collaboration, visibility and support for this irts.isca.org

ISCA AWARDS 2021: IRTS

We want to celebrate your work. So in 2021, ISCA is awarding organisations and individuals who have delivered good practices in Integration of Refugees Through Sport (IRTS).

ISCA’s IRTS AWARDS CATEGORIES:

IRTS Role Model (citizens' choice)

We will award a person who is making a difference in the integration of refugees through sport in communities, schools, sport clubs or workplaces. We are looking for a person who is demonstrating leadership and taking action to address inclusion challenges, discrimination, and helping to create more inclusive societies. This category is relevant for anyone who is dreaming big and pushing boundaries to make a difference, and there are many forms this could take. For example, an IRTS Role Model could be working with refugees in support of their integration in a sport club, local community or a pathway to meaningful employment. IRTS Role Models can be refugees or citizens in the host country. 

IRTS Cross-Sector Partnership

For a local, regional, national or international entity that wants to have an impact in the integration of refugees through sport, creating partnerships is the key to achieving a bigger impact. We believe that success for IRTS lies in cooperation. We are looking for IRTS partnerships of stakeholders from different sectors including sport, health, leisure, education, social, humanitarian, cultural, corporations and community organisations. We look for partnerships that have demonstrated results.

IRTS Innovation during Covid-19

As the world endures the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the multiple benefits of sport to individuals and society have become more evident than ever. Sport and physical activity remain key tools in overcoming the difficulties of the pandemic by providing opportunities to build resilience, boost mental health and offer hope, among refugees in particular. We are looking for programmes or networks that, during 2020 and 2021, have adapted and innovated activities to address the challenges and evolving needs in societies hit by the pandemic. 

Integration of Women and Girl Refugees Through Sport

To make change, women’s voices need to be heard. We are looking for programmes of empowerment activities or networks that support refugees and asylum-seeking women and girls to develop their confidence and skills (also) through sport. This can be in the shape of a welcoming and supportive space in which women/girls can meet peers and begin to rebuild their lives, whether through sport, culture, or learning a new language.

Eligbility criteria

To be eligible for evaluation by the jury, the applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

• The IRTS Networking Platform originates in Europe, but applications are open to organisations, individuals and institutions worldwide. They can be from the local, national or international level. Due to the EU funding rules, only applicants from Erasmus+ Programme Countries can have the costs for their travel and accommodation covered if they are shortlisted or winners. But all applicants will gain visibility and the chance to win a cash prize.
• Any entity or individual may apply – from NGOs, public sector, private sector, education etc.
• The application must be submitted in English with the completed data required, by the stated deadline. You can use e.g. Google Translate if needed.
• The IRTS initiative has produced positive results within the last three years (for the category “Innovation during Covid-19”, the duration is the time since the pandemic outbreak – beginning of 2020). "

Application and selection process

"Please complete your application by using this form and submit it no later than 23 June 2021. The number of characters for the summary is maximum 800 characters and the full description cannot exceed 5000 characters. But consider if you can make a concise and compelling description in less! You may provide up to 5 links to relevant videos, pictures and websites. Consider how you can best persuade the jury and make use of your existing materials. "

1. Notification from ISCA. You will receive a confirmation e-mail when your application is submitted and you will be notified of the results of the application and selection process.
2. Need help or advice? If you have any questions regarding this form or your application, please contact Liina Sepp ls@isca-web.org
3. Selection:
   • All applications will be assessed by the jury and 3 shortlisted applications per category will be announced on 1 September 2021.
   • The jury will select 3 winners (1 per category) and announce them at the award show on 17 November 2021 in Brussels.
   • The people’s choice award voting will start among all shortlisted applications online on 1 October 2021 and will run until 15 October. The winner will also be announced on 17 November 2021.
4. Awards ceremony:
   All 12 shortlisted candidates be invited to the ISCA IRTS Awards 2021 celebration in Brussels on 17 November 2021. They will have their flight, accommodation and event participation at the MOVE Congress 2021 covered by ISCA if there are based in an Erasmus+ Programme Country

How will the Award be delivered?

The ISCA Awards 2021 will be presented to the winners at the MOVE Congress on 17 November 2021 in Brussels, Belgium.