ARD has received an assignment from COOPI which was supported by UNHCR under the livelihood project. The objective of the assignment was to support local youth activities and promote peacebuilding and social integration of the refugees, returnees, IDPs, and host communities. ARD was assigned to organize and conduct competitions and traditional heritage festivals for the youth.

• On Thursday 16^th December 2021, ARD has held marathon competitions for the refugees and returnees at Engineer Yarisow Stadium in Abdulaziz district – Mogadishu. The marathon was consisting of three different races with 100m, 200m, and 400m.  There was also a tug-of-war competition for young girls who were representing refugees and returnees.

• Various dignitaries were invited, including the chairperson of the Somali athletics Madam Khadija and committees from the refugees and returnees.

• More than a thousand supporters from different types of communities have attended the field to watch the competitions.

• 50 young boys and girls from refugees and returnees have participated in these competitions

• The first, second, and third positions of each competition were awarded medals and different prizes to motivate their efforts and dedication towards the competitions