Change Lives Through Sport for Refugees in Greece

In recent months, Lighthouse Relief has continued to provide refugees and asylum seekers in Greece with opportunities to engage in sport, cultivate social connections, and enhance their overall mental and physical wellbeing. As part of our “Change Lives Through Sport for Refugees in Greece" programme, we have expanded our work to an additional location. Alongside our longstanding football project for young people living in Ritsona refugee camp, we now offer basketball training sessions near Corinth refugee camp.

Since the start of the new Corinth project in May, Lighthouse Relief has delivered 38 basketball sessions at a public court located in walking distance from the camp and the community centre where we offer our “Building Integration and Safe Futures for Refugees” project.The sessions provide refugees and asylum seekers with a safe and welcoming environment where they can take part in structured physical activity, connect with other people, and enjoy moments of recreation outside the challenges of everyday life in the camp. Even though in Corinth this programme is at its initial phase, it has recorded a strong participation, which is steadily increasing. This growing engagement highlights the important role that sport can play in bringing people together, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting trauma response measures. Team sports give refugees the chance to work together, build communication as well as teamwork skills. One of our regular participants, who likes to coach new players, reflects:

“Whether picking up a basketball for the first time or refining an already advanced game, these sessions give us a dedicated space to learn, practice, and grow. Beginners get an exciting introduction to a new sport, while experienced players find the drive to sharpen their technique, step into leadership roles, and mentor others, elevating the skill level of the entire group and community.”

The growing interest in sports activities in Corinth was particularly evident during Lighthouse Relief’s 11th anniversary celebrations in September. On this occasion, we organised a basketball tournament for participants from the camp, partner NGOs, as well as members of the local Greek community. Integration with locals plays an important part in our sports programming. Sports shows to be a powerful way to foster connections between displaced communitues - who are often isolated and excluded from local Greek society - and likeminded locals. The tournament brought incredible energy, with evident engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day. Players came together to compete, support one another, and enjoy the excitement of the game, turning the tournament into a lively community event and a memorable celebration of sport. The success of the tournament demonstrated the demand for inclusive recreational moments in Corinth and reinforced the potential of sport to strengthen social ties, encourage active participation, and cultivate a stronger sense of community.

Elsewhere in Greece, our longstanding weekly football project for young men from Ritsona refugee camp illustrates how effective and valuable PSS through sport is. Participants have consistently highlighted the positive impact of these sessions on their overall wellbeing. One participant reflected:

“Training with Lighthouse Relief is great, it makes you feel better. That’s the most important thing in the camp, to go out and play. You find comfort and compete. Lighthouse training is 10/10.”

The majority of participants across our sports programmes are young men between 18 and 25 years of age, a demographic that can face significant vulnerabilities within the Greek asylum system. Prolonged uncertainty, social isolation and limited opportunities for social engagement can contribute to heightened risks to mental health and wellbeing. Against this backdrop, accessible and consistent opportunities for sport and social connection are paramount and they need to be addressed.

The sustained and consistently high levels of participation in our sessions further demonstrate the strong demand for these activities. Regular attendance reflects participants’ enthusiasm for sport, but it also emphasises the broader urgency for safe and accessible spaces for young people. With greater capacity, Lighthouse Relief could expand the frequency and reach of these sessions. Moreover, the need for accessible recreational opportunities extends beyond young men. As one participant explained:

“To be honest, I saw many families in the camp and they do not have activities to do. They stay all week in the camp. There are many things they are missing, and they need to go out so they can have a little fun [...] so they do not feel bored all the time.”

The continuation and expansion of “Change Lives Through Sport” allows Lighthouse Relief to build on this approach and reach new communities through accessible, inclusive, and participant-centred sports activities. By delivering regular activities for recreation and connection, the programme supports participants not only in maintaining physical wellbeing, but also in building relationships, strengthening confidence, and experiencing a sense of normality.

Impact Numbers

Since our last report, we have delivered 30 basketball sessions, with two sessions held each week. Participation has been strong and has increased steadily over the reporting period, with a total of 203 participants recorded between June and October so far. The football programme in Ritsona has also maintained consistently high levels of participation, with one session delivered each week. A total of 206 participants took part between June and October. 

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