An Unforgettable Month in Sivas with Scambieuropei: An Adventure of Sports, Culture, and Friendship.

During the past summer, I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a project thanks to the Scambieuropei association. As an Italian volunteer, I spent a month in Sivas, Turkey, engaged in sports activities aimed at promoting democratic awareness and integration within the local community. Alongside three fellow Italian volunteers, I lived an experience that profoundly impacted my life.

Sports and Socialization Activities: 

Throughout the project, we collaborated with local students from Sivas, experimenting with a wide range of sports activities. From classics such as football, basketball, and volleyball to more unusual activities like badminton, laughter yoga, and acroyoga, we aimed to involve as many people as possible in the joy of sports. Beyond promoting physical activity, we had the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature by participating in hiking, horseback riding, and cycling excursions. During one of our initial hikes, we stumbled upon Sivas University, nestled in a breathtaking natural setting.

Personal Growth: 

Each sports activity provided us with the opportunity to challenge our personal limits. The mutual support and camaraderie among us volunteers created a space where we could grow together, experiencing special moments of personal development and self-empowerment. The weekly "speaking club" sessions facilitated in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, fostering reflection and meaningful exchanges among us.

Creativity and Sharing: 

Within the association, we had the chance to participate in creative workshops, including one on the art of macramé, where we learned to craft bracelets and keychains. Additionally, I organized a workshop on building wooden airplanes with a skilled instructor, resulting in a plane that I brought back to Italy as a souvenir. Together with the other Italian volunteers, we organized a fun culinary workshop where we prepared and enjoyed pizza after embarking on a treasure hunt to find the ingredients.

Sivas' Hospitality: 

One of the most remarkable aspects of this experience was the continuous display of kindness and hospitality by the association members and the people of Sivas. We forged deep connections with the local community, experiencing a love and beauty that seemed to permeate every aspect of life in this enchanting land.

I wish to express my immense gratitude to the Scambieuropei association for making this unforgettable experience possible. Every day, I choose to share and cultivate the life I discovered in the colors, eyes, and hearts of the extraordinary individuals I met during this adventure. This experience has shown me that cultural exchange experiences never truly come to an end and will continue to positively influence my life.

Thank you again to Scambieuropei and all those who made this experience possible.