Almost 200,000 refugees and asylum seekers reside in Greece in overcrowded camps on the islands or in prison-like centers on the mainland. At Ritsona Refugee Camp, the largest camp on mainland Greece, people endure heightened isolation and anxiety due to the camp's remote location and restrictive conditions. LHR provides psychosocial support to children, young people, and women living in Ritsona and Malakasa Camps through sport and creative activities that alleviate stress and create connection.
For people seeking safety in Greece, life in camps such as Ritsona and Malakasa can have a devastating impact on mental health and wellbeing, exacerbating anxiety, depression, and trauma especially in children and youth. Many have endured traumatic experiences in their homelands and continue to suffer from marginalisation, isolation, and insufficient development or integration opportunities. Limited access to both form formal and informal education take a toll on mental and physical wellbeing.
Our Sport4Development programming uses the universal language of sport to create connections, alleviate stress, and foster personal growth. Through activities such as football, volleyball, self-defense, dance, and yoga, our trauma-informed programming promotes resilience, confidence-building, and skills such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and teamwork. Football sessions co-led by a local Greek football club provide young people the opportunity to connect with the Greek community.
Our Sport4Development project empowers children, young people, and their parents to overcome challenging circumstances and thrive. Long term, it addresses the interconnected psychological and social factors that typically undermine the wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers and provides essential tools for resilience and self-determination. Our impact has been recognized by the International Peace and Sports Forum, which honoured us with the 2024 "Empowerment through Sports" award.
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