By: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
The Refugee Athlete Team participating in the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra has described sports as a powerful tool for hope, inclusion and transformation for displaced persons across the world.
Officials of the team say the initiative, introduced by World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee nearly a decade ago, has created opportunities for talented refugee athletes to compete on the international stage while inspiring millions of displaced persons living in refugee camps and host communities.
The team made the remarks during an interaction with officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, in Accra as part of activities surrounding the continental athletics championship currently being hosted by Ghana.
Speaking during the interaction, President of Athletics Kenya and Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics, Jackson Tuwei, commended Ghana for successfully hosting the championships and creating a platform that continues to promote inclusion in sports.
He explained that the Refugee Athlete Team programme, introduced in 2016 by World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee, has enabled refugee athletes to compete at major international events including the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships.
According to him, the programme has over the years provided not only sporting opportunities but also exposure, hope and identity for displaced athletes who might otherwise have been excluded from competitive sport.
He therefore called on African countries hosting refugees to strengthen support for sports development programmes to help identify and nurture talents among displaced persons.
Refugee athlete, Abdi Fatah Adan Hassan, competing in the 1500 metres event, said: “Athletics has given me a second chance in life after being displaced by conflict. Every race reminds me that my past does not define my future, and I am determined to reach the highest level in the sport.”
Also speaking, Solomon Ayela Okeny, who runs in the 400 metres event, said: “Discovering athletics gave me direction after years of uncertainty as a refugee. Competing internationally has strengthened my belief that talent can survive even the most difficult circumstances.”
For her part, Perina Lokure Nakang, competing in the women’s 800 metres, said: “Sport has become my source of hope and healing. My dream is to become a world-class athlete and inspire other displaced girls to believe in themselves.”
The Refugee Athlete Team currently has five athletes competing in the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, taking part in events including the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metres races.
