ΕλληνικάThe future of sports without exclusions
Generation 2.0 for Rights, Equality & Diversity participated in the event organized by MEP Nikos Papas at the European Parliament,
discussing the future of sports without exclusions.
Nikos Deji Ondubitan, representing the organization, focused on the major barrier created by delays in granting citizenship and residence permits, hindering the development of countless talented children excelling in sports. Not being able to travel abroad with your team because you’re not recognized as a citizen of the country you were born and raised in is something that defies all logic. The result is lost careers, missed opportunities, and lives stuck in a state of waiting. Although the law mandates that the state must respond to citizenship requests within 18 months, in many cases the wait can extend to 4 or even 5 years, as happened with him.
Beyond the insurmountable bureaucratic obstacles that literally determine lives, the origin of athletes becomes a reason for exclusion and discrimination at all levels. Children of migrant backgrounds face challenges in accessing sports and then competing at a professional level. This is paradoxical, as sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion of various cultures, origins, and identities. Yet, racist chants continue to be heard in stadiums, and no one intervenes. The belief persists that a migrant child “takes the place” of a Greek child in a team, and talents continue to be “lost” that could shine if discovered or had the means to be promoted.
“Greece is a country that produces athletes, it produces champions. However, this seems to happen by miracle, not because the state and the country have planned for it.”
As an organization, for over 10 years, we have been promoting sports initiatives to enhance visibility and accessibility for everyone in sports, as well as to establish an equal basis for communication between all identities and backgrounds.
