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klabu-amsterdam-badge

Amsterdam
Spirit

Workout with Katie
Welcome to the KLABU Amsterdam Spirit where newcomers and local Amsterdammers come together for weekly workouts and other social activities.
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Find the KLABU Amsterdam Clubhouse at Haarlemmerdijk 106
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KLABU community
Old-school workout with ApenkooiGym

The KLABU Amsterdam Spirit is a strong community of people from all walks of life connected by the love for play and sport.

7,500 refugees and 15,000 undocumented migrants currently reside in our hometown of Amsterdam. Many face a multitude of challenges ranging from loneliness, discrimination, cultural and language barriers, and most importantly, feeling excluded from the local community.
We founded the Amsterdam Spirit to change preconceptions or misunderstandings between communities that are living together in the city. During fun weekly workouts and other social activities, newcomers are connected with local Amsterdammers through the power of sports and games. We usually meetup at our Amsterdam Store & Clubhouse and then go to a gym or to the Westerpark for the workout. Read more in the agenda below about our activities and how you join if you're around, we love to see you!
Dance workout Katie

Clubhouseagenda

Whether you are a newcomer or have lived here for a long time: everyone is welcome. The classes are free of charge and accessible to all ages and experience. No need to sign up, just come. We meet at our store/clubhouse at Haarlemmerdijk 106 in Amsterdam, and then go to a gym during colder months, or to Westerpark when the weather is better. Wear something comfy and we will take care of the rest. Contact us at info@klabu.org if you want to know more.

Tuesday

19 March ’24

16:00 - 17:30

Weekly Board Games

Make new friends while playing international board games. Location: KLABU store/clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106).

Tuesday

19 March ’24

18:00 - 19:00

Weekly Social Workout

Every week a different game or sport. Meetup at 17:30h at the KLABU store/clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106). The workout is from 18-19h at a gym in the neighbourhood (Westerstraat 202).

Thursday

21 March ’24

18:00 - 20:00

Weekly Indoor Football

Do you like football and meeting new people? Join us every Thursday for indoor football. Meetup at 17:30h at the KLABU store/clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106). We then walk to the gym where we play from 18-20h. No need to sign up, just show up!

Friday

22 March ’24

15:00 - 16:00

Weekly Women-Only Workout

Do you like working out and meeting new people? Join us every Friday for a women-only workout at BOOST. Meetup at Danie Theronstraat 2 and no need to sign up, just show up!

  • KLABU Amsterdam Spirit
    In fall and winter we organise our workouts in the gym at Westerstraat 202
  • KLABU community
    In spring and summer we're in the Westerpark
  • 3x3 Unites Basketball
    Basketball workout with 3x3 Unites
  • Amsterdam Spirit
    Board Games in the KLABU Amsterdam Clubhouse
  • KLABU community
    Workout in the park with ApenkooiGym
  • KLABU Foundation social workouts Amsterdam
    Amsterdam Spirit Team photo
  • Dance workout Katie
    Dance workout by Katie Süter
  • KLABU Amsterdam Spirit
    Games & fun with ApenkooiGym
  • KLABU community
    KLABU Amsterdam Spirit football team
  • KLABU community
    Workout with ApenkooiGym
  • KLABU community
    Meeting new people
  • KLABU community
    KLABU at Vunzige Deuntjes festival
  • KLABU community
    Majdy & Amsterdam community
klabu-amsterdam-badge

TheAmsterdamSpiritbadge

The badge symbolises a heron and a pigeon, two typical Amsterdam birds, that unite around a water fountain. Regardless of our differences, we are one club.
Jolly & Lisa

Impact so far

  • Since the start of Amsterdam Spirit in 2021, over 800 newcomers and locals have joined our workouts and other activities.
  • The Dutch organisations Here to Support, Dokters van de Wereld, ASKV, HVO Querido, Boost and Life Goals are all involved by inviting their communities to join the workouts. The workouts are provided by professional trainers such as ApenkooiGym and MVNG Matters.
  • 80% of our participants return regularly.
  • 50% of our members are girls.
  • Through Amsterdam Spirit, newcomers find a place where they belong and can escape their daily struggles. For a few hours every week, they can feel just like any Amsterdammer, without worrying about the challenges of their asylum procedure.
  • The community is at the heart of everything. The badge you see on this page was designed by our members during a workshop in our clubhouse. It's their club, their shirt, their badge!
  • By connecting with local Amsterdammers in all our classes, newcomers also feel more welcome, more accepted, and therefore more at peace in their new city. The active involvement of locals increases understanding and empathy, leading to more inclusive attitudes among locals and newcomers.
  • These bridges that are built at the clubhouse also lead to friendships being born outside of it. People have gone on to work together, learn languages and party together.
Discover more about the Amsterdam Spirit, its members and impact through the stories below.
Onyekachi KLABU 11teamsports teamwear shoot

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"I would say KLABU is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. Being with KLABU is like having a family away from home."

Clubsupport

Amsterdam Spirit is supported by these great organisations and individuals.

KLABU Kamp Seedorf World Refugee Day 2023

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"From sport, from working out, from the KLABU we have managed to build a whole community. Today when I cycle and I see someone wearing a KLABU shirt, MY MAN!"

Mohamed

Activist, City Rights podcast maker

WeartheAmsterdamSpirit

By wearing KLABU sportswear, you support refugees in Amsterdam and around the world.

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