Over one hundred resilient athletes, many of whom have overcome extraordinary challenges, gathered at Eldoret’s Lornah Kiplagat Stadium for a high-stakes selection event in athletics, judo, and taekwondo. This landmark trial is a key step in the Refugee Athlete Support program—a comprehensive initiative designed to nurture sporting talent and pave the way toward representing the Refugee Olympic Team at Dakar 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
The trials featured an impressive range of competitions. On the track, athletes showcased their speed and endurance in events ranging from the 200-meter sprint to the demanding 5,000-meter race. In parallel, participants in judo and taekwondo demonstrated their strength, technique, and determination. This multi-sport event was organized through a close collaboration between Kenya’s National Olympic Committee, Athletics Kenya, World Athletics, and the Olympic Refuge Foundation, with additional support from the Kenyan Judo and Taekwondo Federations.
Athletes who excel in these trials will be awarded a specialized scholarship that provides access to intensive training camps and ongoing mentorship. This support system is designed to help them unlock their full potential and compete at the highest levels, reinforcing the program’s dual commitment to sporting excellence and personal development.
In addition to the senior athletes, a dedicated Youth Development Programme is underway to identify and nurture promising young talents. The goal is to prepare these young competitors for the Refugee Youth Olympic Team at Dakar 2026 while also ensuring they continue their education and personal growth.
Kenya’s pivotal role in this movement cannot be overstated. As one of Africa’s foremost hosts of refugees—with over 800,000 displaced individuals, many residing in camps like Kakuma—the country has long been a nurturing ground for emerging sporting talent. Previous international competitions have already seen the impressive impact of athletes from this region, laying a strong foundation for future success on the Olympic stage.
With Dakar 2026 poised to be the first Olympic Games hosted on African soil, this initiative highlights a growing commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sports. The Olympic Refuge Foundation extends its support beyond Kenya, reaching displaced communities across Burkina Faso, Burundi, Uganda, and other nations, illustrating the transformative power of sport in uniting and empowering people across the continent.
Final selections for the Refugee Olympic Teams for both Dakar 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 will be made by the IOC Executive Board in the coming months, marking a significant milestone in a journey defined by perseverance and hope.
