Inclusion, Sports and Nature Day: Badminton Club Sertini visits Dragon's Heart, Tuzla and the ECO Association Jezero in Šerići
As part of activities that promote inclusion, equality and connection through sport and nature, Badminton Club Sertini Doboj implemented a unique program of visits to the Tuzla Canton, together with young people and partners from environmental and sports associations. The project, entitled “Inclusion and Equality”, began with a visit to the Association “Zmajevo srce”
The visit began in a restaurant operated by the “Dragon Heart” association in Tuzla, where the participants had the opportunity to learn about an exceptional example of inclusion. This space is home to young people with developmental disabilities, who contribute to the community and break stereotypes through their daily activities. The association’s representative, Omer Isović, presented to the attendees a project to build a picnic area with sensory rooms, which will be available free of charge to children and young people with developmental disabilities. This ambitious project aims to create a place of meeting, education and therapy in nature.
As a sign of respect and the beginning of future cooperation, the president and coach of the Badminton Club Sertini, Dario Milačak, and Amir Tursunović, a representative of the Ecological Association “Jezero” from Šerić, exchanged symbolic gifts with the host Omer. Amir Tursunović donated badminton equipment as a symbol of the joint fight for equality and a healthy lifestyle, while the club representatives presented their project “Badminton for Inclusion”, which includes children and young people with disabilities from several cities in BiH. On that occasion, a symbolic gift was also presented – a T-shirt project with the inscription “NO DIFFERENCES”, which carries a strong message of equal rights and shared values.
The visit began in a restaurant operated by the “Dragon Heart” association in Tuzla, where the participants had the opportunity to learn about an exceptional example of inclusion. This space is home to young people with developmental disabilities, who contribute to the community and break stereotypes through their daily activities. The association’s representative, Omer Isović, presented to the attendees a project to build a picnic area with sensory rooms, which will be available free of charge to children and young people with developmental disabilities. This ambitious project aims to create a place of meeting, education and therapy in nature.
As a sign of respect and the beginning of future cooperation, the president and coach of the Badminton Club Sertini, Dario Milačak, and Amir Tursunović, a representative of the Ecological Association “Jezero” from Šerić, exchanged symbolic gifts with the host Omer. Amir Tursunović donated badminton equipment as a symbol of the joint fight for equality and a healthy lifestyle, while the club representatives presented their project “Badminton for Inclusion”, which includes children and young people with disabilities from several cities in BiH. On that occasion, a symbolic gift was also presented – a T-shirt project with the inscription “NO DIFFERENCES”, which carries a strong message of equal rights and shared values.
Workshop on connecting through play and learning about rights
After the restaurant visit, a workshop on getting to know each other and teamwork was organized, jointly led by Dario Milačak and Amir Tursunović, as a continuation of the already existing cooperation. Through the game “Badminton Basket”, the participants broke down prejudices, got to know each other and exchanged information in a creative way.
The workshops were more than just a game – participants actively addressed the topics of human rights, multiethnicity, equal opportunities and inclusion through structured activities. The discussions were open and encouraged the exchange of opinions, understanding of diversity, and recognizing discrimination in everyday situations, which further enriched the educational dimension of the entire meeting.
A particularly emotional moment of the workshop was the symbolic exercise “What will I be when I grow up?”, in which participants shared their dreams and wishes for the future. This exercise further encouraged reflection on the importance of support, equal opportunities and self-confidence for young people – regardless of their circumstances.
The workshops were more than just a game – participants actively addressed the topics of human rights, multiethnicity, equal opportunities and inclusion through structured activities. The discussions were open and encouraged the exchange of opinions, understanding of diversity, and recognizing discrimination in everyday situations, which further enriched the educational dimension of the entire meeting.
A particularly emotional moment of the workshop was the symbolic exercise “What will I be when I grow up?”, in which participants shared their dreams and wishes for the future. This exercise further encouraged reflection on the importance of support, equal opportunities and self-confidence for young people – regardless of their circumstances.
Šerićka Bara - an area of great biological diversity
On the same day, the delegation also visited Šerićka Bara, a unique wetland area. This wetland area is of great importance for the preservation of biodiversity and represents a valuable educational space for children, youth and the local community. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of preserving the natural balance and about the species that inhabit this area with professional guidance.
Wetlands are the areas with the greatest biological diversity. A large amount of water and food also attracts organisms that are not closely tied to the marsh. Research has shown that wetlands represent the center of biological diversity of plants and animals, which is why they are often compared to tropical forests.
Symbolically, our country also has great “diversity” which represents great wealth and potential that we need to use to build a better future for generations to come.
Wetlands are the areas with the greatest biological diversity. A large amount of water and food also attracts organisms that are not closely tied to the marsh. Research has shown that wetlands represent the center of biological diversity of plants and animals, which is why they are often compared to tropical forests.
Symbolically, our country also has great “diversity” which represents great wealth and potential that we need to use to build a better future for generations to come.
Viewpoint in Šerići - a view that connects
The day concluded at the viewpoint in Šerići, which offers a phenomenal panoramic view of Lake Modrac and the surrounding villages. This moment was used to reflect on past activities, discuss future steps together, and take spontaneous photos at sunset.
Connection strength
A visit to the Dragon’s Heart, an educational workshop, a stay in nature, and an exchange of symbolic gifts showed how sport, inclusion, and ecology can together build bridges between people.
Badminton Club Sertini, Ecological Association Jezero and Zmajevo srce send a clear message: there is no difference when there is a will to build a better society together.
These activities were implemented as part of the project “Game Changers – Promoting Human Rights and Equality through Sport”, with the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the organizations VIDC, Fairplay, IZI, YIHR and other partners.