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
Three years after the Moria refugee camp in Lesvos was ravaged by fire, people are still arriving on the island every week seeking asylum. Many are dealing with trauma and transition, uncertainty and fear.
During the summer of 2022, KLABU landed in Lesvos to work on a grassroots basis with the local community. There was a need for sports activities to escape from the complexities of asylum procedures, build new friendships, and keep a positive spirit.
After an initial period inside the Mavrovouni Transit Camp, the clubhouse is now active just outside of it, at the Yoga & Sports With Refugees gym in Kara Tepe, where it compliments the gym's activities through access to sports equipment and clothing, music and television. The gym and clubhouse form a safe space that people can look forward to and escape to.
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 Yoga & Sports With Refugees (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.
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Clubhouseagenda
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.
Friday
09 May ’25
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Friday
09 May ’25
15:30-17:00
Basketball Training
Join the Basketball team on Fridays to show off your skill or learn new ones.
Saturday
10 May ’25
16:30-19:30
Climbing Class
No better way to elevate spirits than at the climbing hall. Meet-up at the clubhouse.
Monday
12 May ’25
17:30-19:00
Football Training
Improve your skills and share the fun during the football training on Mondays and Fridays.
Tuesday
13 May ’25
16:30-18:30
Running Class
Join us to the Lesviot hills as the setting sun turns the sky pastel pink.
Wednesday
14 May ’25
10:30-12:00
Boxing Class
Join a boxing class. Don’t worry: there are separate classes for first-timers and pros.
Thursday
15 May ’25
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
theLesvosspiritbadge
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 offered more than 5,100 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.
- 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 or Muay Thai. It is one of the KLABUs with the most diverse activity schedule: there's always something new to look out for!
- The gym also provides daily access for bodybuilding, with dedicated time slots for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in collaboration with Lesvos Solidarity. 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 open to the public, 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.
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The project could not have been realised without many more contributors:
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