Harnessing the Power of Sports for Inclusion and Growth
The Sport Branch of Mine Vaganti NGO (MVNGO) has been a leading force in leveraging sports as a tool for education, social inclusion, and empowerment since its establishment in 2012. As a member of the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), MVNGO actively contributes to the global Sport for All movement by integrating Non-Formal Education (NFE) methodologies with sports.
Core Mission
The Sport Branch promotes the combination of sports and NFE to address critical social challenges, focusing on:
- Inclusion of youth, adults, NEETs, and migrants.
- Fostering mutual understanding, leadership, and entrepreneurial development.
- Supporting education through innovative teaching methods and tools.
Expertise and Achievements
Highlights of MVNGO Sport Branch’s Work:
- Global Network Membership: A member of ISCA since 2012, MVNGO collaborates with NGOs, sport clubs, and academic institutions worldwide.
- Education Through Sport (ETS): A core methodology used to empower marginalized groups through sports as an educational tool.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Over 70 partnerships and more than 30 academic publications on sport management, inclusion, and education.
- Specialized Staff: A team of 10 active members, including Ph.D. holders, professional coaches, and internationally recognized experts.
Why It Matters
Sports are more than just physical activity; they are a catalyst for social transformation. Through its Sport Branch, MVNGO champions inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment, using sports to build bridges, foster leadership, and create opportunities for marginalized communities.
Notable Projects:
- Curricular Pathways for Migrants’ Empowerment in Sport (CPMES): A flagship initiative promoting the social inclusion of migrants by developing Sport Manager profiles.
- Big Collaborative Partnerships: Participation in high-impact projects that advance education and inclusion through sports.
Key Focus Areas
The Sport Branch is committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of youth, adults, and sports professionals in the following areas:
- Principles of NFE and sports tools.
- Innovative teaching methods using Education Through Sport (ETS).
- Competencies in sports management and leadership.
Professionals at the Helm
The Sport Branch is guided by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to achieving excellence in sports education and inclusion:
- Roberto Solinas: Founder, President, and CEO of MVNGO, an expert in NFE and sports education, and a Ph.D. candidate in Sport Management.
- Maria Grazia Pirina: Co-founder, Vice President, and Project Manager with expertise in vocational training and youth mobility.
- Paolo Menescardi: Trainer and Project Manager specializing in sport promotion and event organization.
- Additional team members include European Project Designers, sports entrepreneurs, former Olympic athletes, and researchers like:
- Samanta Sedda: ETS Trainer.
- Denitsa Andonova: ISCA expert.
- Alexandra Vasina: Former Olympic synchronized swimmer.
- Antonio Saccone: Sport journalist and trainer.
For the full list of experts and their contributions, visit the MVNGO Sport Branch website
