Kenya Hosts Refugee Athlete Trials for LA 2028 Olympics

Kenya Gives Refugee Athletes a Pathway to the 2028 Olympics

In a powerful display of sportsmanship and inclusivity, Kenya recently hosted national trials for refugee athletes hoping to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the National Olympic Commitee of Kenya (NOCK), Athletics Kenya, World Athletics, and the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), provided a platform for athletes to showcase their talents across athletics, judo, and taekwondo.

A Path to LA 2028

Athletes competed across various track and field events, including the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, and 5,000m. These trials served as a crucial stepping stone for athletes to earn the prestigious Refugee Athlete Scholarship, a comprehensive program designed to support their journey to LA 2028.

“For us, we want to integrate everybody for them to be able to discover their talents. No one chooses to be a refugee, and we want to make sure that we leverage every chance to their advantage. We want to make sure we encourage them to take their rightful position in sport. To have these athletes participate likewise as other athletes, to explore their talents at that level, and to inspire them – even to break world records in the near future. That is why we are doing this,” said IOC Member,ORF Board member,and NOCK President Paul Tergat,speaking from the Lornah Kiplagat stadium.

Nurturing young Talent

Beyond the LA 2028 scholarship, a separate Youth Advancement Program was established to identify and nurture promising young athletes aspiring to represent the Refugee Youth Olympic Team at Dakar 2026. This program recognizes the importance of education, allowing young athletes to continue their studies while pursuing their athletic dreams.

Dakar 2026, the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent, will be a historic moment for the continent. The selection process for the Refugee Youth Olympic Team will prioritize athletes based in Africa, reflecting the spirit of hosting African Games for the world.

A Beacon of Hope

These trials represent a notable step forward in providing opportunities for refugee athletes to excel in their chosen sports. By offering scholarships, training camps, and growth programs, Kenya is demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and empowering individuals to overcome adversity through the transformative power of sports.

The journey to LA 2028 and Dakar 2026 promises to be filled with challenges and triumphs, but the dedication and talent displayed by these athletes serve as an inspiration to us all. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the unifying power of sport.

How does KenyaS initiative to provide a pathway to the olympics for refugee athletes benefit both the athletes and Kenyan society?

Kenya Gives Refugee Athletes a Pathway to the 2028 Olympics

A Conversation with Amani Omar, Refugee Athlete from Kenya

Archyde News had the pleasure of speaking with Amani Omar, a talented young athlete who participated in the recent national trials for refugee athletes hoping to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Amani, a gifted sprinter, shared her journey and hopes for the future.

archyde News: Amani, congratulations on participating in these significant trials. What inspired you to pursue athletics, especially given the challenges you’ve faced as a refugee?

Amani Omar: Thank you! Athletics has always been a passion for me. Even as a child growing up in a refugee camp, it was a way to release stress, connect with others, and dream of a better future. The chance to compete at this level is a dream come true, and it gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Archyde News: You’ve participated in the 100m and 200m races. How did you prepare for these trials, and what were your biggest challenges?

Amani Omar: Training in a refugee camp can be challenging, but I had the support of dedicated coaches and the unwavering belief in myself. I focused on consistency and dedication, even when resources were limited. The biggest challenge was managing my time between training, studying, and helping my family.

Archyde News: What message would you like to send to other young refugees who aspire to excel in sports?

Amani Omar: Never give up on your dreams! Don’t let your circumstances define you. There are people who believe in you and want to support you. Work hard, stay focused, and never stop striving for excellence. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Archyde News: What are your aspirations for the future, both in sports and beyond?

Amani Omar: My ultimate goal is to represent my refugee community at the Olympics and inspire others to chase their dreams. Beyond sports, I want to become a role model for young refugees and use my platform to advocate for equality and education opportunities for all.

Archyde News: Thank you, Amani, for your inspiring story. What do you think it means for Kenya to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for refugee athletes like yourself?

Amani Omar: it means the world. Kenya is embracing refugees, recognizing our talents and potential. This is more than just sports; it’s about unity, compassion, and giving everyone a chance to shine. It reminds us that we are all part of one human family.