Trauma and Recreation: How Refugees Overcome Displacement and Assimilation Through Play
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Minor
Agriculture
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
85
KY Senate District #
21
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Jon McChesney
Department
Department of Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
This research study examines the impact of participation in recreation and sports as a means for successful assimilation of African refugees into host cultures. The term African is used with caution in this paper and it is understood that it incorporates many nations; however, it is used in this paper as a reference point. This paper provides new and useful insights into the resettlement needs and issues facing young refugees and the ways in which community sport may or may not facilitate the integration process. The evidence for a recreational approach to recovery for traumatized children is based on program foundations. Evaluations measure the lasting impacts of intervention and serve as a basis for expansion. Discussed are the benefits of community sport in negotiating belonging, building trust, and forming community while analyzing recreation as a means for overcoming sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), developing basic skills, and establishing mutual acceptance.
Trauma and Recreation: How Refugees Overcome Displacement and Assimilation Through Play
This research study examines the impact of participation in recreation and sports as a means for successful assimilation of African refugees into host cultures. The term African is used with caution in this paper and it is understood that it incorporates many nations; however, it is used in this paper as a reference point. This paper provides new and useful insights into the resettlement needs and issues facing young refugees and the ways in which community sport may or may not facilitate the integration process. The evidence for a recreational approach to recovery for traumatized children is based on program foundations. Evaluations measure the lasting impacts of intervention and serve as a basis for expansion. Discussed are the benefits of community sport in negotiating belonging, building trust, and forming community while analyzing recreation as a means for overcoming sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), developing basic skills, and establishing mutual acceptance.