PASS

In Cyprus, refugees face increasing exposure to hate speech, xenophobia, and harmful misinformation, online and offline. Public figures and media frequently perpetuate false narratives about crime, welfare abuse, and health risks, while incidents of hate crimes and discrimination continue to rise. These dynamics are particularly harmful for refugee youth and women, who face heightened risks of exploitation, social exclusion, and digital manipulation. Meanwhile, sport, a powerful tool for public engagement, is not immune to these trends, with instances of racism and anti-migrant rhetoric observed in clubs and fan cultures.

Key Objective:

To counter refugee-related misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in Cyprus by using sport as a tool for dialogue, education, and inclusion, empowering youth from refugee and host communities to become active agents of change.

Key Activities:

• Campaign Video Panel: A 40-60-minute video discussion with five Cypriot athletes (including refugees), addressing discrimination, misinformation, and inclusion in sport.
• Digital Mini-Mythbusters: 10 sport-themed visuals to debunk common myths about refugees, scams, and false narratives.
• Anti-Hate Movement Workshops: 4 physical activity-based workshops, co-designed with refugee and local youth, that challenge hate speech and misinformation through teamwork and education. Piloted and delivered to 60 participants.
• Inclusive Sports Tournaments: Two large-scale, mixed-team tournaments (futsal and 3×3 basketball) engaging 250 participants with integrated educational components.
• Final Conference: A reflective closing event (40 attendees) showcasing results, video screening, discussion panels, and key learnings.

Duration:

September 2025 – August 2026

Implementers:

• Generation for Change CY (Coordinator)
• Athletes for Hope

Supported by:

Olympic Refuge Foundation