Immigration: a new cultural insight into sport

Program of activities developed during the period 2005-2008 focused on sport and immigration. It was an innovative research that combined social research and photojournalism, with the aim of developing knowledge of the role of sport in the lives of first-generation immigrants from countries outside Spain.

The main objectives were:

• Understand the role of sport in the process of integration of the immigrant population in Catalonia, as a factor of social coexistence and cohesion.
• Provide elements to define policies, develop networks among the actors involved, and offer opportunities for sports practice among immigrant groups in the host society.

As part of the program, a series of activities were developed including:

• Studies on social and sports policy
• Photographic exhibition
• Exhibition book-catalogue
• Debate activities

The project was led by the UAB Olympic Studies Centre, with the collaboration of the UAB Communication Institute, with the institutional support of the Catalan Sports Council, the Barcelona Sports Institute and the Sports Area at the Barcelona County Council.