Historic Refugee Youth Team Prepares for Olympic Games in Africa
Nairobi, 12 September 2026
Six young athletes residing in East Africa have formed the first-ever Refugee Youth Olympic Team, preparing to compete at the historic Dakar 2026 Games this October.
A Historic Milestone in Eldoret
The six selected youth athletes are currently undergoing intensive training at the Complete Sports Training Centre in Kaptagat, near Eldoret, western Kenya [1][3][4]. This training camp offers the team a world-renowned environment to build camaraderie, receive media training, and prepare for their respective disciplines in athletics, judo, and taekwondo [1][4]. Guiding them on this journey is Chef de Mission and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Yiech Pur Biel, a former South Sudanese refugee who competed in the historic first-ever Refugee Olympic Team at the Rio 2016 Games, alongside marathon legend and mentor Eliud Kipchoge [1][3].
Voices of Hope and Resilience
Sixteen-year-old 800m runner Clement, who was chosen by his teammates as the team captain, expressed the profound impact of the training camp, noting that having training partners pushes them to perform better while building strong friendships [4]. Clement shared his ambitions for the upcoming Games, stating his desire to win a medal and use his platform to build a home for orphans where children can stay safe and athletes can receive proper nutrition [4]. For Biel, mentoring these young athletes represents a full-circle moment, providing an extraordinary opportunity to show the world that refugees are active participants in their own futures who can succeed and inspire others [1][3].
Overcoming Global Displacement Through Sport
This milestone comes at a critical time for global displacement. By the end of 2025, UNHCR statistics revealed that more than 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide [1][3]. Sub-Saharan Africa hosts approximately 39 million of these displaced individuals [1][3]. Given that children account for half of this sub-Saharan displaced population, there are approximately 19.5 million displaced children in the region, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that offer hope and opportunities [1][3]. Supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation’s Refugee Athlete Support Programme, the team receives scholarships and training support to help them qualify and compete on the global stage [1][3].
Inspiring a Generation in Dakar
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games will mark the first time the global event is hosted in Africa, scheduled to take place from 31 October 2026 to 13 November 2026 across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly in Senegal [1][2][3]. The six youth refugee athletes will join approximately 2,700 competitors from around the world [1][2][3]. UNHCR Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, welcomed the team, highlighting that these young competitors serve as vital role models and a source of inspiration for the more than 10 million forcibly displaced children under the age of 17 in West and Central Africa [1][3].