SARI uses the power of sport to challenge discrimination, promote cultural integration and drive social inclusion throughout Ireland. Working with schools, Direct Provision Centres, refugee and local communities SARI delivers anti-discrimination educational workshops, intercultural sporting events and a Young Leaders youth development and employability programme collectively creating opportunities for all.
SARI’s annual programme includes:
- Hosting intercultural sporting events that bring together people from different cultures and social backgrounds;
- Creating opportunities for young people to participate in employability, social integration and cultural awareness projects at home and abroad;
- Supporting the integration of immigrants into Irish society and sharing the traditions of Irish values and culture;
- Promoting intercultural dialogue and celebrating cultural diversity through educational
Our aim is to develop and deliver practical engagement opportunities for Ireland’s new and established migrant and diverse ethnic communities providing a pathway for personal development, participation in sport/sporting organisations, while generating a culture of inclusiveness and respect for diversity.
Perry Ogden is a co-founder of SARI and current CEO. Perry is also an award-winning photographer and filmmaker who brings focus to social causes at Irish and international level. He has come to media attention through a range of artistic projects – in particular the film ‘Pavee Lackeen’ about a young Irish Traveller girl, and also for his books ‘Pony Kids’, ‘7 Reece Mews: Francis Bacon’s Studio’ and ‘Paddy & Liam’.
SARI was founded in 1997 as a direct response to a rise in racist attacks in the Dublin area. A group of people got together to organise a soccer tournament – known as Soccerfest – to reach out to the new communities. Soccerfest was held at The Law Society, Blackhall Place, Dublin and has been held annually ever since. In 2005 Soccerfest moved to the Phoenix Park where it now hosts over 2,000 people every September.
The Anti-discrimination workshop ‘Football versus Discrimination’ which is delivered to primary schools, clubs, community groups, and Direct Provision Centres all over Ireland. It teaches young people how it feels to discriminate and be discriminated against. It helps them understand issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia and disabilities and how they apply to their own lives and those of their contemporaries.
People from a wide range of communities including refugees and asylum-seekers work with SARI and institutions such as primary schools, sports clubs and Direct Provision Centres, and local communities across Ireland. They believe SARI serves their needs well and is to be trusted.
All sports especially team sports with soccer being the most popular. Sport is a great educator. It is a lesson in team work, hard work, discipline, collaboration and creativity. And as a tool for development it’s simple, robust, portable and shareable.
SARI creates opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Gives them a safe space to play, to make friends. Advocates on their behalf.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.sari.ie/