The challenge is the following : 320 km. 32 hours. 20 runners. Raise 1.000. Together, as members of Yoga and Sport with Refugees, we have set ourselves this challenge to raise money to support the YSR project in Lesvos. Our NGO focuses on improving the physical and mental wellbeing of refugees through sport, working towards integration and building a community. We currently facilitate 500 students per week - with your support, we can continue to offer a healthy and safe space to refugees.
Refugees in Greece are facing human rights violations every day, from illegal pushbacks in the Aegean sea, the creation of prison-like accommodation and lack of access to sanitation and food. Restricted freedoms lead to increased mental and physical health issues. Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Turkey, Syria and Sudan, many organizations are understandably redirecting their funding away from Greece, leaving us with the challenge of continuing to fund the activities for our community.
To continue to be able to run our project in Lesvos, our running team decided to plan a relay around the whole island. 320km over 32 hours means each runner completes a total distance of 30km over 3 separate runs. The 6th and 7th of May, uphill and downhill, they will run non-stop around the edge of the island. They will run in solidarity to raise money so that we can continue to provide a space outside the camp where people on the move can exercise and feel part of a community.
Doing sports as part of a strong community promotes positive physical and mental health. Another of our long-term goals is improving integration through sport- by practicing inclusively with locals, visiting volunteers and internationally displaced people, we bridge cultural gaps and gain mutual understanding and respect. Our coaching team are all from the refugee community - through YSR, they are able to develop their skills for future life.
