Who We Are - iZi Initiative

About iZi

Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa (IZI) is a civil society organisation from Bosnia and Herzegovina dedicated to using sport as a tool for meaningful social transformation. We officially became an organisation in 2020, but our work began much earlier, in 2015, within a regional effort that used sport to counter discrimination and bring young people together across borders in the Western Balkans.

Those early years shaped our character and approach. They taught us that real change happens slowly, through consistent presence, respectful cooperation, and shared experiences that allow people to reconnect beyond stereotypes and divisions. Our identity is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves access to safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for play, learning, and development.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a place where communities live side by side but rarely interact. Many children grow up without meeting peers from another ethnic, cultural, or social background. In this context, sport becomes a bridge. It offers a neutral space where children can see one another as teammates, not categories, and where competition is replaced with fair play, curiosity, and connection.

IZI works across the entire country including the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District with a special focus on rural, remote, and socially divided areas where opportunities for contact are limited. IZI also actively works in Montenegro and has successfully transferred our methods to partner civil society organizations in the region through ERASMUS programs and other related activities.

Over time, IZI has become recognised as a trusted local actor capable of working sensitively and effectively in post-conflict environments. Our partnership with the Vienna-based respected CSO VIDC (fairplay initiative) strengthened this path. Together, we co-developed the Football Zajedno project which was later recognised by UEFA as a good practice example for Football and Social Responsibility. From that point forward, our work gained structure, methodology, and visibility. More importantly, it gained momentum.

Our Values

The core principles that guide our mission and shape our community.

Inclusion

Everyone participates with dignity, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.

Equality

Girls and boys share the field, the rules, and the spotlight.

Community

Local ownership comes first; we always build with, not for.

Meet Our Team

At Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa (IZI), our team is a big part of why people enjoy working with us. We are known for being open, welcoming and easy to approach, while also being reliable and committed. We believe that inclusion, trust and equality are not only goals of our work, but values that shape how we work with each other and with communities. Our team brings together experience, creativity and care, creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable, motivated and taken seriously.

Benjamin Dragolj

Founder & Project Manager

Mirna Hrapović

Project Coordinator

Selma Memović

Project Assistant & Coach

Our wider team

Beyond the core team, IZI works with a broad regional network of facilitators, coaches and volunteers, many of whom have been part of our programmes for years. This network grew organically through long-term cooperation and shared values, and it allows IZI to work across different communities while staying locally rooted. Together, we create spaces where inclusion is practiced, not just discussed.