The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has announced that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will feature the first-ever Youth Refugee Olympic Team. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant milestone in the IOC’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees and displaced people through sport.
The Youth Refugee Olympic Team will comprise African-based athletes, highlighting the continent’s rich sporting talent and the IOC’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized, “We look forward to selecting a team that shines a light on the global displacement and refugee crisis, while showcasing the finest young athletes in the spirit of Olympism.”
The exact composition and selection of the team will be determined at a later date by the IOC Executive Board. This initiative is part of the IOC’s broader efforts to support displaced people across Africa, where over 47 million refugees and displaced individuals reside.
The Olympic Refuge Foundation has been instrumental in supporting displaced youth through sports programs in countries such as Burkina Faso, Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda. By participating in the Youth Olympic Games, the Refugee Olympic Team will inspire hope and solidarity among young people affected by displacement.
