Purpose: The purpose is to use sports as a means for social integration of young Somali refugees, especifically the ice hockey form Bandy.
Stimulus/Rationale: The team was set up by a local entrepreneur from Borlänge, a city of 41 000 inhabitants, of which 3 000 are Somalian refugees. The entrepreneur wanted to do something so that Somalis and Swedes would interact more genuinely.
Process: The Somalia Bandy Team took part in the 2014 world championships held in Russia. This was the first time that a team from Somalia had taken part in a team sport world championship of any kind. Paradoxically Somalia was officially represented by young men who had fled their country to seek asylum abroad. Regardless of the results at the world championships, the simple fact that a team of Somalis had taken part received worldwide press coverage and instilled a great sense of pride among the Bandy players themselves but also within the Somali community and the population of Borlänge as a whole.
Impact: Mutual perceptions between Somali refugees and the local population have improved considerably. The Bandy players learnt Swedish in a very short time and their school results improved as a result. Some players were hired by local companies. This unique experience illustrates how ambitious goals and rewards can motivate refugees, help them retrieve self-confidence and gain social recognition. It also shows how social integration is very often a precondition to entering the local labour market.
Key reference documents: N/A
