Carme’s project in Finland – Sport activities for immigrants

While being a volunteer of the European Solidarity Corps in Finland, Carme put in place her own initiative of solidarity. She organized sport activities for immigrants.

“My goal was simple: to use sports as a bridge for inclusion, well-being, and solidarity among international students in Loimaa. During my ESC project at Loimaan Evankelinen Opisto (LEKO), I launched several weekly activities: Zumba classes, volleyball training, volunteering at local volleyball matches, and even a student billiards tournament.

The Zumba sessions were open to everyone, regardless of fitness level, and included body combat, core workouts, and fun dance routines like Just Dance. We used a classroom at the school, moving chairs aside and turning the space into a dynamic fitness zone.

Volleyball brought a different kind of energy. On Thursdays and Sundays, students gathered to play friendly matches at LEKO and Hirvihovi Liikuntakeskus. Some were beginners, others more experienced, but the key was always inclusion. We set up the nets together, played, and cleaned up—all as a team. It wasn’t just about the sport, but the community spirit that grew out of it.

An important part of the project was volunteering at the home matches of the local volleyball team, Hurrikanni. At first, people felt unsure of what to do, but gradually they took initiative, showing responsibility and teamwork.

Another initiative that created a sense of belonging was a billiards tournament held at the school. I promoted it through posters and QR codes, and organized it using Google Classroom. We had group stages, elimination rounds, and small prizes for the winners. It became a popular and inclusive space where students could relax and connect, even if they had never played before.

These activities were more than just hobbies—they were about learning, responsibility, and building community. Participants improved their physical health, practiced teamwork, and got involved in local life through volunteering. The hosting school benefited from a more engaged student body, and I gained valuable skills in event planning, leadership, and communication.

Of course, there were challenges—such as managing transport limitations, navigating venue schedules, and adapting to privacy policies. But with support from my mentor, school staff, and the students themselves, we overcame these together.”

This initiative was supported along the CLIC project. C.L.I.C. for “Coordinating Locally in order to Increase More Changes with  the European solidarity Corps” is a cooperation partnership we participate  in with 9 other like-minded organisations from 9 European countries. Together, we want to increase the impact and the visibility of the European  Solidarity Corps in our communities, while providing young people with a  strong educational value along their volunteering projects.