From a training camp in Kaptagat to the biggest stage of their young careers, six refugee athletes are gearing up for a historic appearance at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The six, Rashid Rechene, Florence Masimbi, Clement Niyomuhoza, Nyataba Kuek, Lourance Namukiza and Arno Yfunga have been training at Complete Sports in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, ahead of the Games scheduled for October 31 to November 13.
They will become the first refugee team to compete at the Youth Olympic Games, which will also be held in Africa for the first time.
The athletes, selected from Kenya and Uganda, will compete in athletics, judo and taekwondo. Rechene will contest the 200 metres, while Kuek and Niyomuhoza will run the 800 metres. Yfunga will compete in judo and Namukiza in taekwondo.
For 16-year-old Rechene, a Congolese refugee living in Uganda, the Kaptagat camp has already made a difference.
“I have made progress in my speed and time. I now know my potential and I’m sprinting better and faster,” he said.
The athletes say the training has strengthened not only their physical ability but also their confidence and unity as a team.
Their preparations have received support from the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Refuge Foundation, World Athletics, UNHCR and the National Olympic Committees of Kenya and Uganda.
Double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, who mentors refugee athletes through World Athletics, is also supporting the initiative.
NOCK First Deputy President Barnaba Korir says allowing refugee athletes to compete in local school and Athletics Kenya events has helped expose and nurture their talent.
“Allowing refugee athletes to compete alongside other young athletes in school competitions and Athletics Kenya events has given us an opportunity to identify, expose and nurture their talent. It has shown that talent knows no borders, and when young people are given an opportunity, they can achieve great things.” Said Korir.
For team Chef de Mission Yiech Pur Biel, Dakar carries a deeper meaning, particularly because the Games will be held on African soil.
“Dakar is very special for us because these Games are taking place on African soil. For these young refugee athletes, it is more than just competition, it is an opportunity to represent millions of young refugees and show the world that, despite the challenges they face, they have talent, dreams and a future.” Said Yiech.
Beyond the medals, the six athletes hope their journey will inspire other young refugees to pursue their sporting dreams despite the challenges of displacement.
APERIT FM, HII NI YETU
