Yusra Mardini, Jeremain Lens and 9 others join the KLABU
Launching the new KLABU membership programme, a powerhouse squad of new athletes are stepping onto the pitch with us.
World champions, passionate gamechangers, Olympians who took their first strides in refugee camps. Whether they're competing on the world stage or building community on local pitches, these members have joined KLABU to pass on the power of sport.
Read along to find out who they are and how they’re ensuring that everyone living in a refugee camp has a place to play.
YUSRA MARDINI
An Olympic swimmer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and former refugee. Yusra embodies Unbeatable Spirit, a value at the heart of our KLABU community. You might have seen the Netflix film The Swimmers about her incredible journey. If you haven't, we highly recommend it.
"When I became a refugee, I did not stop being a swimmer. I did not stop being a daughter or a sister. Becoming a refugee changed my circumstances, not my identity."
JEREMAIN LENS
A former Dutch national team footballer and KLABU ambassador, Jeremain brings pure passion and team energy. He's brought this energy to our clubhouse in Commewijne, and has also starred in our Filling Pieces Keti Koti campaign. Wherever he is, he’s always passing on the spirit of sport!
NADIA NADIM
A professional footballer and surgeon, Nadia possesses relentless drive on and off the pitch. You might know her from her time at Paris Saint-Germain or championing our Cox’s Bazar clubhouse campaign. She’s an absolute powerhouse for our squad!
"If you give refugees a chance, they can contribute and make society better."
ABDI NAGEEYE
Just ask Abdi, the Somali-Dutch marathon runner, Olympic silver medallist, and New York City Marathon winner, about the power of sport. As a former refugee, he knows how sport can bring strength, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
SORAYA VERHOEVE
An Ajax footballer and dedicated KLABU teammate, Soraya's vibrant energy brings our community to life. You might have spotted her leading training sessions in Amsterdam. If you’ve seen her in action, you know the passion she brings.
"I have the possibility to make a small positive difference in the world - whether that's through making someone smile or providing a slightly better life so why wouldn't I do that?"
ROSE NATHIKE LOKOYEN
Rose’s Olympic journey began in Kakuma Refugee camp, where sport gave her joy, peace and a sense of belonging. Years later, she led the first ever Refugee Olympic Team into the stadium at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Welcome to the team, Rose!
HANNANEH AFSHAR
National record holder, member of the Olympic Refugee Team, Hannaneh is a name you’ll know by the LA 2028 Olympic Games, if you don’t already. Her determination and resilience show what’s possible when everyone has a place to play.
"I never believed that where I was born should determine how far I could go."
GUILLAUME JUNIOR AND HIS GUIDE DONARD NYAMJUA
Guillaume is the first refugee athlete to win a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. Together with his guide runner, Donard, they wrote their names in history with a win that showed resilience and the power of sport.
ARTHUR CARRILHO
An ultra runner, marathoner, community builder, and now a proud KLABU member! Arthur never runs out of energy. Catch his running content on your Instagram feed, that is, if you can keep up with him!
Via @arthurrunningjunkie on Instagram
"Everyone should have the opportunity to play sports and games, regardless of where they come from or what their circumstances are."
REGIAN EERSEL
A multi-time world champion kickboxer known as "The Immortal", Regian embodies striking power and determination. If you've seen his legendary title fights in ONE Championship, it's hard not to be a fan. He's also been fronting our Filling Pieces Keti Koti campaign!
VALERIE VAN ROON
Dutch elite swimmer Valerie van Roon brings her love and passion for movement from the pool straight to the squad. She’s made waves on the international stage, and as a dedicated KLABU member, she passes on the spirit of sport. We’re thrilled to have her in our corner!
"Sport is not just about performance, but also connection and feeling support and belonging."
We're proud to have our new members join the club, working towards a future where everyone living in a refugee camp has a place to play.
Across the globe, nearly 10 million people live in refugee camps and settlements, around half of them children and young people aged 11 to 35 facing long holding patterns without a space to move, train, or gather.
Together with our members, we’re changing that; and now you can be part of it too!
Team up with Yusra, Jeremain, Nadia, and other members around the world to pass on the spirit of sport.
Become a member
