Sport has the unique power to connect people, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire positive social change. In the UniTos – United through Sport project, traditional sports play a central role in bringing together children and young people, with and without disabilities, from Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
Each participating country contributes a traditional sport that reflects its cultural identity and sporting heritage. Throughout the project, these sports will be adapted to ensure inclusive participation, allowing children of all abilities to learn, play, and grow together. Beyond physical activity, participants will discover the values of teamwork, respect, fair play, and intercultural understanding while exploring the rich traditions of the Western Balkans.
Through educational materials, training sessions, and international sports camps, UniTos demonstrates that traditional sports are more than a part of history—they are powerful tools for inclusion, friendship, and regional cooperation.
Discover the four traditional sports that unite our partner countries and form the foundation of the UniTos journey toward a more inclusive future.
🇭🇷 Bocce (Boćanje) – Croatia
Bocce: A Traditional Croatian Sport Connecting Generations
Bocce, known locally as boćanje, is one of the most recognizable traditional sports in Croatia, especially in coastal regions and islands. For generations, this sport has brought communities together, creating spaces for friendship, teamwork, and social interaction.
Within the UniTos – United through Sport project, bocce represents more than just a game. It serves as a powerful tool for inclusion and intercultural dialogue, allowing children and young people, with and without disabilities, to participate equally in sports activities.
One of the greatest strengths of bocce is its accessibility. The sport can be adapted to different physical abilities, making it suitable for inclusive sports training and recreational activities. Through teamwork, strategy, and communication, participants learn important values such as respect, cooperation, and fair play.
By introducing bocce to international participants, the project also promotes Croatian cultural heritage and demonstrates how traditional sports can help build bridges between communities and encourage social inclusion across borders.
🇸🇮 Skiing – Slovenia
Skiing: A Symbol of Slovenian Tradition and Unity
Skiing has long been an important part of Slovenian culture and identity. Surrounded by mountains and natural landscapes, Slovenia has developed a strong tradition of winter sports that continues to inspire generations of young athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
As part of the UniTos project, skiing will be used as a platform for inclusion, cooperation, and personal development. Through adapted activities and inclusive training approaches, children and youth with and without disabilities will have the opportunity to experience the joy of winter sports together.
Beyond physical activity, skiing teaches resilience, confidence, teamwork, and trust. Participants learn to overcome challenges while supporting one another in a safe and encouraging environment. By combining sport, nature, and intercultural exchange, skiing becomes an important tool for strengthening social connections and promoting equal opportunities for all young people involved in the project.
🇧🇦 Stone Throwing (Bacanje kamena s ramena) – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stone Throwing: Preserving Tradition Through Sport
Bacanje kamena s ramena (stone throwing from the shoulder) is a traditional sport deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Historically practiced during local gatherings and community celebrations, this discipline symbolizes strength, determination, and community spirit.
Through the UniTos project, this traditional activity is being reintroduced in a modern and inclusive way. The project aims to adapt traditional sports so they can be enjoyed by children and youth with different abilities, promoting participation, equality, and teamwork.
Stone throwing is not only about physical strength—it is also about discipline, focus, and respecting tradition. By introducing participants from different countries to this heritage sport, the project encourages intercultural learning and appreciation of the diverse traditions that exist across the Western Balkans. The activity demonstrates how traditional sports can unite people, preserve cultural identity, and create opportunities for social inclusion through shared experiences.
🇷🇸 Traditional Wrestling (Narodno hrvanje) – Serbia
Traditional Wrestling: Strength, Respect, and Cultural Heritage
Traditional wrestling, known as narodno hrvanje, has a long history in Serbian culture and represents one of the oldest forms of traditional sport in the region. For many years, wrestling competitions were an important part of community events and celebrations, promoting discipline, respect, and sportsmanship.
Within the UniTos project, traditional wrestling is being presented as a sport that can encourage inclusion, cooperation, and mutual understanding among young people from different backgrounds. The project focuses on adapting activities to ensure safe and inclusive participation for children and youth with and without disabilities. Through training sessions and international camps, participants will learn the values of fair play, respect for opponents, and teamwork.
By preserving and promoting traditional wrestling, the project contributes to safeguarding cultural heritage while also using sport as a tool for building friendships, breaking stereotypes, and strengthening regional cooperation across the Western Balkans.
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