NOCK launches Refugee Olympic Scholarship Program
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 02.04.25. | 21:47
A total 23 athletes were selected from trials held in Eldoret last February
23 refugee athletes were on Wednesday 2 April selected to join the Refugee Athlete Support Program in Kenya, 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 conducted on 1 February in Eldoret, the athletes - 15 junior and eight senior - emerged successfully from a competitive pool of 108 refugees representing camps including: Kakuma, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and Dabaab.
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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.
"As an athlete myself, I understand the sacrifices and discipline required to reach the highest levels of competition,” Dr. Paul Tergat said. “Success is built on commitment, integrity, and the daily pursuit of excellence. Let these values guide you as you prepare for the road ahead."
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.
The athletes joining the camp are:
• Athletics: Kun War Liem, Susan Nakiru, Perina Nakang Lokure, Solomon Ayela Okeny, 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.
