When We Band Together needs your help to bring basketball to the residents of the Kara Tepe Refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece.
About the Program
Being able to provide basketball for the displaced men, women, and children stuck on Lesvos would provide welcome breaks of joy during a very difficult time in their lives. Furthermore, sports like basketball offer a unique opportunity for refugees from different backgrounds to bond and build friendships. This program would be one of very few team sports offerings for the 10,000+ people living at the refugee camp.
The basketball court and programming will be open to all. Games and open practices will be offered multiple times per week, and will serve hundreds of people regularly.
About the Organizer
Josh Decker is a website developer and entrepreneur. He sits on WWBT's leadership council.
When asked why he has decided to help bring this program from dream to reality he responded “basketball had a profound affect on my life. The sport helped me not only better myself physically and mentally but it helped me create a community. I want to help others have the opportunity to run and sweat and find a community who challenge and support them”.
How will Funds be Used
Funds will be used to pay for all necessary equipment and resources - including the hoops, basketballs, jerseys and shoes, as well as a share of the rent, utilities and staff of the center the program is housed at.
About the Dave Schultz Sports, Arts, and Wellness Center
We are on a mission to offer vital services and programming that support mental and physical health. This Center is one of the very few spaces on the island specifically built for growth, healing and empowerment. This is an extremely special space where residents can step out of the dire conditions of the camp to find free services aimed to help them thrive.
About When We Band Together
When We Band Together is a non-profit dedicated to creating safe spaces and vibrant places for refugees. WWBT has been active on Lesvos since 2015. You can learn more here and follow us on Instagram - @WhenWeBandTogether.
We'd love for you to join us in our mission!