The Right to Run makes exercise possible for everyone: “Running is not necessary”

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

Simply tying your shoes and going for a run, a walk, or a trip to the gym is something most of us take for granted. We live in one of the safest and richest countries in the world. “I can go running in the forest at any time of the day or night and not be afraid,” says Vesna Stimac from On’s media department. But millions of people around the world face countless barriers that separate them from the freedom and benefits of exercise. It could be due to lack of access, engagement or security. That’s why On launched the Right to Work program in 2020. “We are committed to providing running and exercise to as many people as possible,” says Stimac. “Running is not a sure thing,” she adds.

Swiss association supports refugees

Right to Run supports organizations and social projects around the world with donations and sports equipment such as shoes and clothing. Like the Swiss association Sportegration It brings people together and relies on sport as a tool for the successful and sustainable integration of refugees. “You don’t need a language in sports and your origin doesn’t matter,” says Sportegration co-director Aybüke Yıldırım. 19 sports and more than 50 courses are offered per week. The association is supported by donations. «We are extremely grateful for Right to Run’s support. To help our runners train and even “They can participate in various national competitions.”

Sportegration was founded in Zurich in 2016, and the project currently has a presence in Bern and Basel. “We already have many great success stories and our offers are highly valued not only by refugees but also by local people,” says Yıldırım. “Nemat, for example, came to Switzerland from Afghanistan a few years ago; he knew neither the people nor our language,” says the co-manager. “Thanks to our sports services, he made friends, found a place to live in a shared flat and integrated very well.” Nemat is now a volunteer coach at Sportegration and teaches German for an hour before every training session.

“One of our most talented runners is Eritrean Seare,” says Yıldırım. “He was on the podium in the City Run at this year’s Zurich Marathon and won the Aargau Half Marathon.” Alishah from Afghanistan also found support from Sportegration after his escape. He not only trained diligently, but also devoted all his energy to his professional training. Last summer, Alishah completed his apprenticeship as a chef as one of the top three chefs in the canton of Zurich.

15-year-old Iraqi woman completed the marathon

Right to Run currently supports 19 organizations worldwide. “A club in New York is determined to ensure that children in poorer and underprivileged areas can play sports outdoors,” says On’s Stimac. “I visited this club this year and was very impressed with how well the kids did and how successful this club was.”

One can only dream of the right to go for a run without any worries, even in the Middle East. “Unfortunately, this is still risky in some areas,” says Stimac. Free to Run, an organization operating in the Middle East, works to ensure that girls and women can go jogging safely. Successfully. «Ruba, a 15-year-old girl, was one of the first women to complete the marathon in Iraq in October. Stories like this warm my heart, and stories like these are why we want to do more at Right to Run,” says Stimac.

Source : Blick