NOCK launches the Refugee Athlete Support Programme in Kenya
Selected senior athletes have reported to Complete Sports Camp in Kaptagat for high-performance training,
About 23 refugee athletes have been selected to join the Refugee Athlete Support Programme, marking the beginning of their journey towards the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Following an intense selection process during the February 1st trials in Eldoret, 15 junior and eight 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 (NOCK), World Athletics, Athletics Kenya, Kenya Taekwondo Federation, Kenya Judo Federation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The selected senior athletes 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, Dr. Paul Tergat, who reinforced the values of resilience, excellence, and determination.
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.” Dr. Paul Tergat.
The athletes joining camp are: from Athletics (Kun War Liem, Susan Nakiru, Perina Nakang Lokure, Solomon Ayela Okeny and Aden Hassan Abdifatah); Taekwondo (Dorcas Aker) & Judo (Kevin Ndahabonyimana).
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, Nakang, a third year 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.”
