The much-anticipated event brought together around 40 children, including 15 boys and girls from Ukrainian refugee families living in Italy, who had already participated in the project’s activities in June, July and September. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, make new friends and share another memorable experience through movement and play.

The festive afternoon featured a rich programme of activities designed to encourage participation, creativity and cooperation among children of different ages and backgrounds:

• Giocofiaba (Fairytale Play): movement activities for children aged 4 to 7, inspired by the magical world of Halloween fairy tales.
• A shared snack: a relaxed moment for children and their families to enjoy together.
• Golf Circus: a playful combination of golf and circus activities for children aged 5 to 12.
• The Halloween Mystery Hunt: a themed treasure hunt encouraging cooperation, teamwork and problem-solving.

Breaking the ice through movement and play

The afternoon began with ice-breaking and getting-to-know-each-other activities led by Byron from Monokyklo and Andrea Rota, golf instructor at Sportindoor and professional golf player. Gathering in a large circle, the children took part in simple, engaging games that helped them interact, feel at ease and become part of the group.

Moments like these never cease to amaze us. They remind us that sport, when introduced in a playful and inclusive way, has the power to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers. Without needing many words, children can connect naturally, find common ground, build trust and, ultimately, form new friendships.

“I don’t say ‘I can’t’, I try and try again!”

This was the motto behind the Golf Circus activity: an invitation for every child to embrace challenges, explore their abilities and discover what they can achieve through movement.

This approach is particularly meaningful in golf, a sport that requires precision, patience and concentration, where frustration can easily arise when things do not go as planned. By combining golf with circus-inspired balancing games and seemingly impossible challenges, the activity encouraged children to let go of the pressure to succeed, experiment freely and, most importantly, have fun.

The circus element created a welcoming environment in which everyone could participate on an equal footing. There was no need to be the best or get everything right: the important thing was to try, keep going, laugh together and enjoy the experience.

A moment of connection for the whole family

While the children were immersed in the activities, we also had the opportunity to spend time talking with the Ukrainian families. They shared some of their personal stories and the challenges they have faced, as well as their happiness and gratitude for being part of the project.

Above all, they highlighted how important these opportunities are for their children: a chance to integrate, socialise, have fun and feel welcomed as part of a community.

Their words were a powerful reminder that inclusive sports activities can have an impact that goes far beyond the playing field. They create spaces where children can simply be children, experience a sense of belonging and build positive memories together.

A celebration of inclusion, collaboration and new possibilities

For us, as organisers, this Halloween afternoon was much more than a successful event: it was a genuine celebration and a tangible demonstration of what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and strong partnerships.

It highlighted the value of combining different approaches and areas of expertise: the attention to psychological wellbeing, the creativity and expressiveness of the circus world, and the unifying power of sport. Together, these elements create meaningful opportunities for children to grow, express themselves, overcome challenges and connect with others.

As its very name suggests, this is a project about breaking barriers and crossing borders. It broadens horizons, brings people closer and opens the door to new encounters, experiences and ways of discovering sport and movement.

And if there is one thing we will take away from this special Halloween celebration, it is that sometimes the simplest ingredients – a ball, a balancing challenge, a game and a shared laugh – are all it takes to bring people together.