23 refugee athletes have been selected to join the Refugee Athlete Support Program, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Following an intense selection process during the February 1 trials in Eldoret, 15 junior and 8 senior athletes emerged successfully from a competitive pool of 108 refugee athletes representing the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, Dadaab Refugee Camp, and urban refugees from other parts of Kenya.
The trials were conducted in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), World Athletics, Athletics Kenya, Kenya Taekwondo Federation, Kenya Judo Federation and the UNHCR.
The selected senior athletes competing in athletics have reported to Complete Sports Camp in Kaptagat for high-performance training, while judo and taekwondo will report to their respective camps.
Junior athletes will continue their elite athlete development in their resident areas, enabling them to balance both training and education.
Dakar 2026 holds particular significance as the first Olympic event to be hosted on the African continent. In alignment with this milestone, the 15 athletes have a great platform to be selected for the inaugural Youth Refugee Olympic Team.
At the Complete Sports Camp, the senior athletes were officially welcomed by IOC Member, ORF Board Member, and NOC-K president, Paul Tergat, who reinforced the values of resilience, excellence, and determination. Dr. Tergat was accompanied at the launch by the NOC-K Secretary General, Francis Mutuku.
“As an athlete myself, I understand the sacrifices and discipline required to reach the highest levels of competition. Success is built on commitment, integrity, and the daily pursuit of excellence. Let these values guide you as you prepare for the road ahead,” said Tergat.
The athletics team will be under the guidance of experienced coaches, led by former 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei.
Among the athletes selected is Perina Nakang, a former World Athletics U20 Team member, who has since progressed to the senior level, competing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest (2023), the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade (2024), and most recently, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Nakang, a Form Three student at Cornerstone Secondary School in Kakuma, cites Kenyan champions Mary Moraa and Faith Kipyegon as inspirations.
“Having competed in three international events, I aspire to be like Athing Mu. Her humility inspires me, and discipline is key in this journey. One day, I hope to become a celebrated athlete,” she shared.
Another rising star is Abdifatah Aden, a 1,500m runner from Dadaab, whose Olympic dream is fueled by his admiration for Mo Farah.
“Coming from Dadaab, I know what this opportunity means for the people watching me. I am a step closer to my Olympic dream, and it’s up to me to give my best.”
In judo, 25-year-old Kevin Ndahabonyimana from Burundi, who boasts an African International Judo Championship gold medal and three bronze medals, relocated to Kenya due to instability in his home country, is determined to make an impact.
“This is my time. I have waited a long time to make it into the Refugee Athlete Program. I want to inspire others, which is why I started a club in Eldama Ravine.”
By Citizen Sports
