Lesvos
Spirit
In a place where stress and uncertainty are present every day, exercise brings relief and builds confidence. “Sport really helps all of us here keep a positive spirit.” Welcome to the KLABU clubhouse in Lesvos, Greece.
Lesvos is a Greek island off the coast of Turkey
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports among the community
Lesvos, the Greek island, serves as a pivotal, yet painful, entry point for asylum seekers arriving in Europe. It marks the end of a traumatic journey across the sea and the start of a complex one onwards through Europe, marked by uncertainty and change.
To support this challenging transition, KLABU launched the Lesvos Spirit project in 2022. Since 2023, in partnership with Yoga and Sports with Refugees (YSR),we offer asylum seekers access to essential sports activities, community, and a momentary escape from an otherwise harsh reality.
The Lesvos Spirit project first opened its door within Mavrovouni Transit Camp. However, in response to political changes and increased restriction in access to the camp for non-governmental organisations, the project successfully relocated. It now operates just outside the camp in Kara Tepe, complementing YSR’s new gym by ensuring there is enough equipment for all. The YSR gym is conveniently situated near a community centre, called Parea, which provides language classes, workshops, a free café, and other crucial resources. This new location offers a centralised, safe, and accessible space for asylum seekers to relax and enjoy a fun workout.
Womens Coach Tamana having a laugh after class
Discussing the rules of Jenga in fornt of the Clubhouse
Team Blue waiting for their turn on the football pitch
Team Orange having a laugh during the team picture
Mohamed Reza and Javad, two avid runners in Lesvos
Today, the clubhouse and Yoga & Sports With Refugees' gym form a vibrant social hub where everyone is welcome to participate in sports and connect over a warm cup of chai.
Through daily programmes, our project partner YSR offers newly arrived asylum seekers a wide range of sports such as climbing, kickboxing and volleyball. The KLABU clubhouse is run by YSR and the refugee community, and many sports activities are organised by the refugees themselves. This gives newly arrived asylum seekers the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence not only for their time on Lesvos - but well into their futures.
We are thrilled to share that the Lesvos Spirit project will officially graduate to full ownership by our partner YSR in February 2026. This transition is part of a broader strategy we’ve developed for our clubhouses to “graduate” when they are in the right position to thrive independently. After several years of shared commitment and collaboration, the clubhouse will be run entirely self-sufficiently by YSR, which marks an important milestone that reflects the strength, resilience, and leadership of the community. We are super proud of this journey together and excited to see the Lesvos Spirit continue to grow and shine through the energy and leadership of YSR and its members in the future.
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Clubhouse agenda
Join the weekly workouts and social activities. Whether you want to participate in running, bodybuilding, women's fitness, football, kickboxing or dancing: everyone is welcome to train with Yoga & Sports With Refugees and us.
Wednesday
07 January ’26
10:30-12:00
Boxing Class
Join a boxing class. Don’t worry: there are separate classes for first-timers and pros.
Thursday
08 January ’26
18:30-20:00
Volleyball Training
Mixed training for boys and girls to strengthen team spirit.
Friday
09 January ’26
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Friday
09 January ’26
15:30-17:00
Basketball Training
Join the Basketball team on Fridays to show off your skill or learn new ones.
Saturday
10 January ’26
16:30-19:30
Climbing Class
No better way to elevate spirits than at the climbing hall. Meet-up at the clubhouse.
Monday
12 January ’26
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Tuesday
13 January ’26
16:30-18:30
Running Class
Join us to the Lesviot hills as the setting sun turns the sky pastel pink.
Boxing Class by Akbar
Boxing Coach Akbar in the Yoga & Sports with Refugees Gym
Football coach John leading the way from the sideline
Tamanas workout class
Escorting your friend to Boxing class
the Lesvos spirit badge
The badge symbolises hope and
peace, the shirt colours reflect strength and resilience, and the pattern adds wings to fly
beyond the boundaries of Lesvos.
"Girl, I feel really good! I feel good now after some exercise."
Clubshirt
Co-designed with the local community, the Lesvos shirt embodies the unbeatable spirit of KLABU.
Impact so far
- Since the start of Lesvos Spirit, the project has sparked joy through the power of sports and community to over 5,000 newly arrived asylum seekers on Lesvos.
- Everyday, close to 90 people come to the clubhouse and gym managed by refugees and our project partner Yoga & Sports With Refugees to borrow sports equipment, practise kickboxing or hit the climbing gym.
- At the Lesvos Spirit, many newcomers can discover new sports like rock climbing, basketball or Muay Thai. It is one of the KLABUs with the most diverse activity schedule: there's always something new to look out for!
- Since 2025, the gym is located beside the Parea Community Centre, creating a powerful, centralised hub for asylum seekers: Parea provides vital support (such as language classes, legal/medical aid, and food/clothes distribution), while KLABU offers a space to connect and enjoy a fun workout.
- The gym also provides daily access for bodybuilding, with dedicated time slots for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in collaboration with Lesvos Solidarity, a non-governmental organization (NGO) on the Greek island of Lesvos that provides humanitarian aid to refugees and vulnerable locals. This partnership ensures a welcoming space for all gym users, respecting cultural sensitivities by providing a comfortable environment for female participation and guaranteeing a safe sporting environment for members of the LGBTQ+ group.
- By being situated outside of the refugee camp and being open to all, the Yoga & Sports With Refugees gym and the clubhouse enable local Greeks to take part in the activities. This connects people who are usually separated and helps build better understanding between them.
- The Lesvos Spirit refugee community often also participates in local running races and marathons, fostering inclusion and raising awareness alongside Greek residents.
Discover more about the Lesvos Spirit, its members and impact through the stories below.
ClubhouseStories
ClubSupport
Lesvos Spirit is supported by these great organisations and individuals.
Partner with us
The project could not have been realised without many more contributors:
Embrace the Lesvos spirit
By wearing KLABU sportswear, you support refugees in Lesvos and around the world.
