ATHENS
“I had a life-changing experience. I would underestimate how much YSR means to me if I say the only purpose of YSR would be helping out others. YSR is the most diverse community that someone could find themselves in”
– Azim, former YSR Athens Coordinator
Weightlifting Area
Our gym is located in the center of Athens and is run by coordinators and volunteers (including those from refugee backgrounds). In September 2020, we were happy to take over this space that was previously run by Dana (a Kurdish athlete who joined Estelle on Lesvos to start YSR in 2017) as Project HIWA.
Our Athens gym operates across two floors. On the top floor, we have the bodybuilding equipment and a space where we can hold classes.The YSR Athens gym is open to all. It is one of only a few places in Athens that offers sport classes and a gym space for free.
Many coaches and students who leave Lesvos are looking for a place to continue their sports activities in Athens. Directly linking the projects helps our community to stay connected, have a space where they feel comfortable and welcome, and to stay active.
Classes
On the lower floor we hold our classes ranging from martial arts, dance and yoga, to self-defense! We have a great variety of people joining our activities and the female community here is very strong.
The Athens project highly focuses on integration as it is a more permanent place where people start building their future. We are thrilled that the Athens Gym has grown into a happy place for many and a safe space for all athletes, regardless of background, gender or sexual orientation.
Pedion tou Areos Park
Our activities also happen outside in the Pedion tou Areos Park, which is located only 1.5 kilometers away from our Gym. We run and hold many events there regularly, including the Global Run For Freedom and morning running sessions, as well as large group training, if the weather allows.
The activities in the park often allow us to mingle with the Greek locals and spend an active and positive time full of laughter together.
It is a very green and welcoming park, where we can meet many new sports students who want to join our classes. We enjoy training outside and inspiring new people to join us!
