A New Home for YSR in Athens!

Following significant operational challenges at the end of 2025, YSR Athens undertook a strategic reassessment of its programme delivery, operational model, and capacity to provide consistent sport and mental well-being support to refugee communities. 

As a direct result of this process-and made possible through donor support and community engagement - the organisation successfully secured a new operational space. This milestone represents a critical step in restoring and strengthening programme continuity. The new facility enables not only the resumption of activities but also a significant improvement in programme quality, including expanded class offerings, safer infrastructure, and a more structured and legally compliant framework for implementation. 

Funds raised through the recent campaign have been directly allocated to securing the space, relocating essential equipment, and initiating the setup process. All major programme materials have now been transferred to the new location. Current expenditures are focused on necessary reconstruction works and administrative procedures required to ensure full legal compliance and long-term operational sustainability. 

In parallel, the team is actively conducting inventory management, space organisation, and preparation activities to ensure that the facility meets both operational and safeguarding standards. The efforts aim to re-establish a stable, inclusive and safe community hub where individuals - regardless of legal status or background - can access structured activities that support both physical and mental well-being. 

This transition phase is being carefully managed to minimise disruption to beneficiaries while strengthening programme resilience and future scalability. Monitoring systems and internal processes are being reinforced to improve accountability, reporting and programme quality moving forwards. 

Looking ahead, YSR Athens is preparing key initiatives to re-engage the community and expand outreach, including the Global Run campaign. Additionally, a community reopening event is planned to mark the relaunch of activities, strengthen community ownership and acknowledge the role of donor support in achieving this milestone. 

The successful re-establishment of this space reflects not only operational recovery but also a strengthened foundation for sustainable, community-led programming in Athens.