Boa Vista
Spirit
Discover the first KLABU clubhouse in South America - unlocking the power and joy of sport for indigenous Venezuelan refugees who are rebuilding their lives in Boa Vista, Brazil.
The clubhouse is located near the border with Venezuela.
Children in the Tuaranoko shelter celebrate the opening of their clubhouse.
The Waraotuma a Tuaranoko shelter in the North of Brazil is a temporary home for indigenous Venezuelans, who have to flee their country.
With close to 1,500 Venezuelans from indigenous groups like the Warao, Pemon, Kariña, E’ñepa, or Wayúu Waraotuma a Tuaranoko is the largest shelter for indigenous refugees and migrants in Latin America. It was established in the beginning of 2022 as a response to the increased influx of refugees due to the ongoing socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela, where people are forced to flee crime, violence, and inflation.
In Waraotuma a Tuaranoko the KLABU clubhouse serves as a focal point for unity, empowerment, and community engagement. Much like the vibrant communities in the shelter, the space is dedicated to fostering connections, promoting self-reliance, and celebrating the transformative power of sports.
This clubhouse is the first version of a model that was designed by the world-renowned architect firm MVRDV based on a shipping container. It offers a safe space to borrow sports equipment, watch live broadcast events, listen to music and relax.
A game of table tennis in the warm evening sun in the Waraotuma a Tuaranoko shelter.
Every high five is a celebration – of young girls finding strength, confidence and friendship through sport.
The clubhouse is powered by community members themselves, guided by our local Project Officer Thiago. Together, they run the sports library, organise inclusive events and take the lead in shaping the project’s future.
It launched on 12 March 2024 - a day many had been waiting for: music playing through speakers, Venezuelan musicians performing, ice cream being served and most importantly, the big orange container with its doors and hatch wide open, filled with sports equipment for Waraotuma a Tuaranoko’s sports-crazy inhabitants to play with.
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The project aims to support mental health, boost self-reliance and enable smoother integration and inclusion for Venezuelans in their new home, Brazil.
At its heart, the Boa Vista Spirit shares the same mission as every KLABU project: to help refugees cope — by building resilience and unlocking their potential even in the toughest situations — and to connect — by fostering understanding, acceptance, and genuine integration with the host community.
In Boa Vista, sport plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of the indigenous Venezuelan population, who often stay much longer in shelters like Waraotuma a Tuaranoko due to the greater challenges they face in integrating. Many also experience deep social and economic marginalisation, which fuels frustration both within the community and among local Brazilians.
By giving them the keys to their own clubhouse, we strengthen their autonomy, agency and sense of ownership. Since the launch of the project, we’ve also taken part in local events like city runs and organised tournaments with other shelters across Boa Vista — creating opportunities for people to meet, make new friends, and build bridges between newcomers and locals.
Through sport, we connect newly arrived Venezuelans with local Brazilians, paving the way for peaceful coexistence. And the skills learned at the KLABU, along with access to its facilities, can help residents integrate, open doors to new opportunities beyond the shelter, and build a more independent future.
Just like Brazilians, almost everyone in the shelter is football-crazy.
That feeling when you put on the shirt…
…And are the first one to cross the finish line
A first stretching session, organised by project coordinator Thiago.
Children at the festive inauguration of the clubhouse.
Running is especially popular amongst the young girls in the shelter.
Divennys is part of a rotating team of community volunteers who manage the sports library of the clubhouse.
The children of the shelter at a creative workshop to create their own Boa Vista Spirit badge and shirt design.
Orange has quickly become the fovourite colour of the community.
Members from UNHCR, AVSI and KLABU during the set up of the clubhouse.
"Sports knows no age. I am speaking from experience. When we unite on the pitch everyone is the same age."
The Boa Vista Spirit running team at a local city run, connecting locals and newcomers
Happy goal celebrations at a futsal tournament
All smiles when scoring the winning goal for your team
Proudly posing for a team photo at our annual World Refugee Week tournament in June
Clubhouseagenda
At the Boa Vista clubhouse, everyone is welcome to come and join our weekly workouts and social activities.
Monday
13 October ’25
16:00 to 17:00
Community Volleyball
All ages and identities welcome.
Thursday
16 October ’25
16:00 – 17:00
CrossFit
Become the fittest person in Boa Vista!
Friday
17 October ’25
16:00 - 17:00
Friday Football
Everyone welcome.
Impact so far
The Boa Vista Spirit is growing stronger every day!
- Since the opening of the clubhouse, it has become a central place for play, connection, and community life. Owned and shaped by the residents themselves, all activities are designed together with the community leaders – the Aidamos – who meet regularly to guide the project’s direction. As a sign of deep trust and appreciation, our Project Officer Thiago was even named an Aidamos leader, becoming part of the community’s leadership.
- The impact is felt every day on the pitch and beyond. On average, close to 3,400 activity registrations each month show just how strongly the Boa Vista community embraces sport as a way to come together, build confidence, and grow.
- Together with neighbouring shelters, we’ve organised futsal and volleyball tournaments that have brought people from different backgrounds onto the same field — creating friendships, breaking down barriers, and building bridges between newcomers and locals. We also take part in local runs, where refugees and Brazilians run side by side, strengthening the bonds between the two communities.
- There’s something for everyone at the clubhouse – from highly popular futsal matches and volleyball games to running sessions and even activities for elderly community members, like lively bingo afternoons. And we’re starting early too: the team is organising Boa Vista’s first-ever baby race, proving that the spirit of sport can begin at any age.
- Step by step, the clubhouse is becoming more than just a place to borrow sports equipment. It’s a space where people take part, connect, and build a stronger community together.
The project is proudly supported by a donation of running shoes by On – Vidalina loves them
Clubpartners
Boa Vista Spirit is supported by these great organisations and individuals.
And our other valued partners & supporters:
JointheKLABU
By wearing KLABU, you join our club and support sports projects in refugee camps.
