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A Sports Stadium that Unites!

The new sports stadium, built as part of the EEA grant project “Integration Related Measures in Mucenieki” initiated by the Ropaži municipality, is a significant benefit for the local community and a space that will shape the local environment.

As spring 2024 approached, more and more residents of Mucenieki village, along with asylum seekers, participate in various sports and leisure activities at the newly opened stadium, which features a football field, running tracks, and a hockey rink.

According to the Asylum Seekers Center, the asylum seekers from Africa also gain new experiences and were excited because for the first time in their lives, they put on ice skates and stepped onto the hockey field.

One of the key benefits of this project was the exchange of knowledge and experience between Ropaži County and the project’s donor-state partner, the municipality of Elverum. Elverum shared best practices for successfully integrating asylum seekers into the local community. This collaboration helped not only to develop sports activities but also to enhance the overall quality of life in the community by creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and safe.

In addition to the stadium reconstruction, a range of health, sports, and cultural events were organized during the project, including the Easter and Līgo celebrations. These events brought together local residents and asylum seekers, fostering mutual understanding and introducing them to Latvian traditions. Altogether, the project involved over 5,000 participants in various activities.

Looking ahead, the work initiated by this project will continue beyond its official completion. The stadium will remain a key meeting point for village residents, asylum seekers, and visitors. Future plans include expanding the stadium to include an athletics sector, as well as volleyball and tennis courts, providing even more opportunities for people of all abilities, interests, and needs.

The establishment of the sports stadium in Mucenieki is an important step toward fostering an inclusive and cohesive community through the “language of sports,” promoting a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging a variety of social activities.

The “Integration Related Measures in Mucenieki” project is a pre-defined project under the EEA grant programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction, and Cultural Cooperation.” It was implemented by the Ropaži municipality from October 1, 2021, to April 30, 2024.

For more information about the project, please visit:

Ar integrāciju saistīti pasākumi Muceniekos