Three young refugee athletes from South Sudan participated this week in the U20 World Athletics Championships, which took place in Lima from 27 to 31 August at the La Videna facilities.
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The event brought together more than 1,500 athletes from 134 countries. Among them, Dario (18), Zinad (17) and James (19) stood out, who found refuge in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, after being forced to flee their native South Sudan due to armed conflict.
Today, these Three young people are part of the World Athletics Refugee Athletes teamthe governing body of athletics worldwide. Through a pilot programme, World Athletics is offering refugee athletes a platform to compete at the highest level.
In addition to their participation in the competition, the refugee athletes joined a community event organized by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in collaboration with the Municipality of Chorrillos, World Athletics and the Peruvian Athletics Federation.
This event, which took place on August 31, brought together athletes with Venezuelan refugees living in Peru and the local community, creating a space for exchange and solidarity. The athletes shared their experiences, showing how sport can be a powerful tool to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
“I am very happy to have had this opportunity. I never thought I would compete at an international level, but I always try to train hard to do my best. It is very difficult for us to train in the Kakuma refugee camp, we lack the equipment we need, and because of the conditions, time and weather, we can only train before sunrise for a short time and then go to school,” shared James, one of the young refugee athletes.
Laura Almirall, UNHCR representative in Peru, stressed the importance of the participation of these athletes in the world event, noting that “their presence not only symbolizes the hope and resilience of millions of refugees around the world, but also highlights the positive impact of sport on the lives of those who have been forced to leave their homes.”
Through initiatives like this, UNHCR seeks to provide a safe environment and reaffirms the power of sport to help overcome challenges related to displacement, improve mental and physical health, build confidence, skills and bring individuals and communities together.
