Using Sport to Drive Social Inclusion for Newly-Arrived Ezidi People in Regional Australia

Abstract

<p>In Australia, people from newly-arrived migrant and refugee backgrounds are less likely to be involved in regular sport and physical activity or receive their associated health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate a two-year program in regional Australia that used sport as a vehicle to assist a cohort of Ezidi people from northern Iraq settle into a new community. Youth were the focus of this program as an avenue to engage the whole family in physical activity. The Diffusion of Innovation theory for health promotion underpinned the program and a qualitative approach was used to obtain the perspectives and lived experiences of both community stakeholders and participants from the Ezidi community. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were the main source of data collection. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Twenty people comprising 14 members of the Ezidi community and 6 community stakeholders participated in this study. The findings demonstrated that the program benefitted holistic health, intercultural understanding, community relationship building and even challenged gender stereotypes. Mental and social health experienced particular positive impact through opportunities to be social, create a sense of belonging and the psychological benefits of engaging in regular physical activity following the experience of trauma. The program has exemplified the power of interagency community networks to benefit youth and public health in geographically and culturally diverse communities. These findings have potential to inform a best practice transition model for newly-arrived migrants and refugees in regional centres around Australia through sport.</p>