OSCE Mission to Montenegro and RYCO work with young athletes to foster intercultural skills
How young athletes can foster peace building and conflict resolution efforts and promote inclusive intercultural dialogues – was discussed at the fifth youth camp on “Intercultural Competence Skills in Sport”, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Regional Youth Co-operation Office (RYCO) from 8 to 10 May in Kolašin.
Around 20 young athletes from different sport associations gathered to learn more about intercultural skill sets and exchange experiences.
Opening the event, Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of Mission, emphasised the importance of giving young people opportunities to talk and learn about how they can contribute to building tolerant and peaceful societies. “Sport is a place where people of different cultures and backgrounds come together and fight stereotypes and discrimination in spite of holding different views. Education is important, but it needs a vision. It must inspire young people’s minds, stir their emotions and lend wings to their actions,” said Leirtroe.
Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro said he was pleased with the opportunity to hold this event for five years in a row. “Our young athletes have achieved successes and won medals, making them role models amongst their peers, able to nurture team spirit, friendships, leadership and embracing differences. Today they demonstrated great energy, who after this camp will become ambassadors of RYCO values,” said Koljenović.
Upon the completion of the camp, participants were awarded with certificates.