Lesvos
Spirit
Launched in 2022, the Lesvos clubhouse is now entirely run by Yoga and Sport with Refugees. Together, we’ve built a home for sport and play—a vibrant, inclusive space where asylum seekers on the island can find their community and workout together.
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 then, in partnership with Yoga and Sports with Refugees (YSR), the project offered access to essential sports activities and community for asylum seekers on the island.
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. KLABU 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 front 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, we are proud to say that the clubhouse is fully in the hands of Yoga & Sports With Refugees, who ensure daily operations of the KLABU and their community gym.
After 4 years of incredible collaboration, the KLABU project was fully handed over to YSR in March 2026. At KLABU, we call this process a "graduation" where the project transitions to full local ownership and autonomy. We could not be more proud of this transition and are so happy that the partnership with YSR has reached a new level.
The clubhouse is now run by YSR, and many sports activities such as climbing, kickboxing and volleyball are organised by the refugees community. 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.
Read more about KLABU's Graduation Strategy here!
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.
Friday
22 May ’26
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Friday
22 May ’26
15:30-17:00
Basketball Training
Join the Basketball team on Fridays to show off your skill or learn new ones.
Saturday
23 May ’26
16:30-19:30
Climbing Class
No better way to elevate spirits than at the climbing hall. Meet-up at the clubhouse.
Monday
25 May ’26
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Tuesday
26 May ’26
16:30-18:30
Running Class
Join us to the Lesviot hills as the setting sun turns the sky pastel pink.
Wednesday
27 May ’26
10:30-12:00
Boxing Class
Join a boxing class. Don’t worry: there are separate classes for first-timers and pros.
Thursday
28 May ’26
18:30-20:00
Volleyball Training
Mixed training for boys and girls to strengthen team spirit.
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, this shirt embodies the unbeatable spirit of Lesvos.
Impact between 2022 and 2026
- Between 2022 and 2026, the project sparked joy through the power of sports and community to over 15,000 newly arrived asylum seekers on Lesvos.
- Everyday, close to 90 people came 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 clubhouses with the most diverse activity schedule: there's always something new to look out for!
- In 2025, the gym changed locations and is now 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).
- YSR and KLABU worked closely with local NGO Lesvos Solidarity, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that provides humanitarian aid to refugees and vulnerable locals. This partnership made the gym a welcoming space for all users, respecting cultural sensitivities by providing a comfortable environment for female participation and guaranteeing a safe sporting environment for members of the LGBTQ+ group. These efforts continue today after graduation.
- Throughout the project lifecycle, a priority was always to connect refugees and locals. By being situated outside of the refugee camp and being open to all, the gym and clubhouse could host both local Greeks and refugees and it continues to connect people who are usually separated and helps build better understanding between them.
- For the past few years, the Lesvos Spirit refugee community often participated in local running races and marathons, fostering inclusion and raising awareness alongside Greek residents, which we know our friends at YSR will continue to champion.
Discover more about the Lesvos Spirit, its members and impact through the stories below.
ClubhouseStories
ClubSupport
Today, the Lesvos Spirit is entirely funded by Yoga & Sports With Refugees and its partners.
Partner with usThe 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.
