Sports Festival September 2024 Every year Sports Against Racism (SARI) run a Soccer Fest for the Men’s, Women’s, and Under-13 tournaments. Last week they had 500 participants play soccer. There is a range of sports including soccer, table tennis, running, tug o' war, boxing and more. This event welcomes all sports levels as well as volunteers, community members, local authorities and the support of media as well as local media who sponsored and supported the event. Sport is a great way to bring communities together and counteract racism through play, inclusion, well being, collaboration and communication. 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: •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 programmes SARI’s 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.