SPORTS AND OUTDOOR EVENTS AND IMMIGRANTS’ SOCIAL INTEGRATION : A CASE OF NEWCOMERS IN JÄMTLAND, SWEDEN

Abstract: Immigrant-receiving societies emphasize the need for immigrants to integrate intomainstream life. In Sweden, this trend has manifested itself in integration policies. Inthe present study, the author aims to understand sports and outdoor events experienceand its effects on social integration of immigrants and refugees’ in the JämtlandCounty, Sweden. By ‘giving voice’ to 19 participants from different nationalities, thisstudy explores the new Swedes’ perspectives on social integration process andconceptualizes their engagement and experience of sports and outdoor eventsthroughout this process. The participants speak of the benefits and needs to participateactively in the society of settlement, but they also describe the barriers and obstaclesthat they may face. Their perception of integration is based on their life stories andexperiences. Based on findings and results, three descriptive themes are described.The outcomes of three descriptive themes are interpreted in one overarching themeelaborating the role of sports and outdoor event as a social connection leading to socialintegration of newcomers. It is assumed that sports and outdoors are not strongenough to achieve social integration, rather they can act as social bridges and providea common ground where integration can be cultivated. The results of this study canbe useful for the sports and events planners and organizers specifically in 2021 whichis appointed as ‘Friluftslivets år 2021’ (Year of outdoor life) as well as those who dealwith newcomers’ integration in Sweden and Jämtland.