By Savanna Desmarquest | Marketing Officer
Over the years, we have learned that while the situation for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece is constantly evolving, the positive impact of sport remains remarkably consistent. Many of the people we work with continue to face uncertainty as they navigate asylum procedures, housing challenges, changing support systems, and the realities of building a new life in a new country. In the midst of these changes, our sports programmes provide something reliable: opportunities for recreation, social connection, teamwork, and psychosocial wellbeing. Week after week, participants come together in a supportive environment where they can build confidence, strengthen friendships, and experience a sense of belonging.
Thanks to your support, Lighthouse Relief has been able to continue and expand sport activities over the past months. Our regular football sessions for young men from Ritsona Refugee Camp remain a cornerstone of our programming, bringing participants together through a shared love of the game. This spring, members of the Lighthouse Relief FC (composed of session participants and members of the wider refugee community in Athens) took part in the qualifying rounds of Kypseli Mundial, a community football tournament celebrating diversity and inclusion through sport. While the team did not progress beyond the qualifiers, the experience was an exciting opportunity to represent their community and connect with players from across Greece.
Alongside our football programme, we are excited to have launched new basketball and volleyball sessions in Corinth. These activities are already creating new opportunities for participants to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and build meaningful social connections. Seeing the enthusiasm and engagement from participants reminds us of the powerful role that sport can play in supporting wellbeing and fostering community.
None of this would be possible without the support you provide through our Keep the Light On project. Your donations help us maintain the staff, equipment, transport, and organisational capacity that allow these programmes to continue and grow. While these behind-the-scenes elements are often less visible than the activities themselves, they are essential to ensuring that Lighthouse Relief can remain present, responsive, and ready to support communities as needs evolve.
To everyone who has contributed to this project, thank you. By helping us keep the light on, you are helping create spaces where people can connect, grow, and find moments of joy and belonging, both on and off the pitch.
Impact numbers:
Since our last report, 231 young men have participated in our weekly football sessions, while a further 48 participants have joined our newly launched basketball and volleyball sessions in Corinth.
Testimonials:
We collected some comments from the young men participating in our basketball and volleyball sessions in Corinth.
“When I don’t attend the sessions I always feel like there’s something missing.”
“It evoques a sense of security and comfort while disconnecting me from my worries.”
“Even if I don’t like to participate, I always love to make sure I attend to cheer for my friends!”
Links:
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