Phönix - Training for Life is a non-profit organization that promotes rehabilitation through sport. The goal is to help people who have committed crimes to find their way back into social and professional life.

Our mission is to provide long-term support to people in prison on their path to resocialization and to enable them to participate in society in a self-determined manner through the unifying power of sport.

Our approach combines sports training with social work support from experienced social workers and sports educators. Each unit is understood as a social skills training and health program that is offered both inside and outside the prisons.

Phoenix offers two programs: The Training for Life program, a 10-week program in correctional facilities that helps participants improve their fitness and social skills through sports. The second program is the Comeback Club , a weekly basketball training session for people on parole and recently released individuals that supports the transition from incarceration to free life.

After our first pilot project, we deliberately chose basketball. Basketball is particularly well suited to our programs because it has a relatively low risk of injury compared to other sports. In addition, many prisons have baskets and participants can easily learn the game without any prior knowledge. The great thing about basketball is that you can make quick progress - both in the basics and in team play. Anyone can join in from the start, regardless of previous sporting experience, and initial successes come quickly. In addition, basketball promotes important social skills such as team spirit, communication, discipline and fairness, which are also valuable beyond sport.

Yes, our program is based, among other things, on the principles of Prof. Rosie Meeks, whose research demonstrates the positive effects of sport on the resocialization of prisoners. Her studies show that sport not only promotes physical health, but also strengthens social skills and improves self-esteem - essential factors for successful reintegration into society.