Bridging Divides: Sports as a Tool for Social Cohesion in Lebanon

March 19, 2025

Introduction

In a world increasingly marked by displacement and social divisions, the challenge of fostering social cohesion between refugees and host communities remains a critical issue. Refugees often face not just the trauma of displacement, but also the challenge of being welcomed by a host community. Lebanon’s social fabric is marked by its sectarian divisions, and its current reality of hosting the largest refugee population per capita in the world. Around 1.5 million Syrian refugees reside alongside Lebanese communities, creating a complex dynamic where tensions often arise hindering their integration into the host communities. In this context, fostering social cohesion is a crucial factor to improve collaborative engagement and mutual understanding.

Sports, often seen as a recreational activity, have emerged as a powerful tool for bridging divides. By creating neutral spaces for interaction, sports-based initiatives can reduce prejudice, build trust, and provide a basis for advancing peacebuilding outcomes.  An analysis of sports-based initiatives reveals how they serve as a bridge between divided communities, while also addressing the challenges, successes, and policy considerations in the Lebanese context. It draws on theoretical insights and practical examples, demonstrating the potential of sports to support social change.

Creating Bonds and Bridging Divides

One crucial mechanism is the creation of neutral spaces where participants can interact as equals, regardless of their background, which aligns with the research findings supporting the Contact Theory. This theory highlights the importance of equal status, shared goals, and cooperative activities as key factors in reducing intergroup biases.

Another key mechanism is the Social Capital Theory. Social capital strengthens connections within specific groups, such as among Syrian refugees, enhancing their support networks and a sense of belonging. Bridging capital, meanwhile, fosters connections between different groups, such as refugees and host communities, through shared goals and teamwork. These forms of social capital are vital for fostering trust and mutual understanding within diverse communities​.

Through sports, children learn to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts peacefully, essential skills for building a cohesive society. Furthermore, sports offer displaced individuals vital mental health benefits, providing an outlet for stress and an opportunity to rebuild confidence.

Sports-based Initiatives in Lebanon

This field research, conducted in Beirut with four organizations—GAME Lebanon, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Right to Play Lebanon, and Alsama Project—demonstrates the significant positive impact of sports-based initiatives on social cohesion between Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities. These organizations use sports to foster integration and well-being, effectively breaking down social barriers and enhancing mutual understanding.

One coach at GAME Lebanon mentioned, the basketball court being a space where differences are forgotten, and goals are shared, which resonates with the experiences of many more participants. One Syrian participant shared, “I created more connections, and I made friends from different parts of the country,” referring to Lebanese participants. This shows how sports foster a sense of belonging and bridge gaps between groups.

Similarly, cricket initiatives organized by JRS and Alsama Project have also proven effective in fostering social cohesion. Two participants from the Alsama cricket training suggested that creating activities with lesser-known sports presents an excellent opportunity for common ground. JRS participants further emphasized this potential, noting that the large fan base of popular team sports provides an opportunity to gather people for matches and create opportunities for interaction. These observations highlight the adaptability of sports initiatives in responding to diverse community needs.

A staff member from Right to Play explained, “Sports help the children to process their experiences.”, which demonstrates how sports serve not only as a tool for physical activity but also as a medium for emotional healing, supporting the mental well-being of displaced youth. Likewise, programs in Lebanon are focusing on creating inclusive spaces to meet the needs of diverse communities. This is evident in the reflections of a Lebanese participant who initially felt a significant connection gap in understanding between themselves and Syrian refugees but has now developed a more open approach. This personal transformation illustrates the potential of sports to challenge stereotypes and build understanding.

Barriers to Participation and Sustainability

Despite their potential, sports-based initiatives in Lebanon face significant challenges. Cultural norms, particularly regarding female participation, can restrict access. As it mentioned by staff member of mentioned, that parents often hesitate to let their daughters participate due to traditional expectations. Limited access to public spaces to organize sports activities. To secure public spaces often involves navigating bureaucratic barriers, and the lack of available facilities exacerbates this problem​. Funding instability is another major issue, with many programs relying on short-term, unpredictable external funding, which limits their long-term impact and sustainability. Furthermore, safety and security concerns in certain areas can lead to program disruptions.

Policy Implications and Recommendations

To maximize the potential of sports as a tool for social cohesion, it is crucial to integrate them into broader peacebuilding and social development strategies, including:

• Funding for Sports Infrastructure: Advocate for consistent funding for sports facilities, particularly in marginalized communities where access is limited. This will help ensure that programs can reach a wider population and operate effectively.
• Addressing Cultural Barriers: Support programs that specifically address cultural barriers to participation, particularly for girls. This could involve community outreach, sensitization programs, and the development of female-only sports activities where appropriate.
• Long-Term Program Support: Prioritize long-term, sustainable funding for sports-based initiatives from within Lebanon, recognizing that building social cohesion is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort.
• Promote Community Ownership: Encourage and support local communities to take ownership of sports programs. This can involve training local coaches, involving community leaders, and empowering local organizations to manage and sustain the initiatives.
• Integration with the Triple Nexus: Promote the integration of sports into initiatives that address humanitarian needs, contribute to long-term development, and foster sustainable peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sports offer a powerful pathway to social cohesion in Lebanon, bridging divides between refugee and host communities. Nevertheless, to maximize the impact of these initiatives, addressing the challenges to widespread implementation is vital, with meaningful progress on them being necessary to achieve their full potential over time.